Description
This Louisiana BBQ Shrimp recipe delivers succulent, shell-on shrimp simmered in a rich, buttery, and spicy Creole sauce packed with garlic, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and bold seasonings. A classic Cajun/Creole dish, perfect as a main course or appetizer, best served with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
- ¼ cup beer or chicken broth (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- French bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and Creole or Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors into the buttery base.
- Simmer Liquid: Pour in the beer or chicken broth if using, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the spices and create a flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3–4 minutes while turning once halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Spoon the buttery sauce over the shrimp continuously to coat them with the rich flavors.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the shrimp to rest for a minute to absorb the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crusty French bread on the side for dipping into the delicious, spicy buttery sauce.
Notes
- Keeping the shells on the shrimp enhances authentic flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- For extra richness and a spicy kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a few dashes of Tabasco to the sauce.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
