BBQ Shrimp – This Succulent, juicy shrimp are perfectly seasoned with a blend of smoky spices, and charred to perfection on the grill. This dish brings together the bold flavors of summer barbecues, creating a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s quick and easy to make.
What is BBQ Shrimp?
BBQ shrimp is a Southern staple, most famously associated with New Orleans. Despite the name, this dish doesn’t involve slathering shrimp with BBQ sauce or grilling them on a barbecue. Instead, it’s typically cooked in a skillet with a flavorful sauce made of butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon, and Cajun seasonings. The shrimp are cooked in their shells, which help lock in flavor and keep them tender and juicy.
BBQ Shrimp – Ingredients
Jumbo Shrimp: We want those plump, juicy ones – shell-on keeps them extra flavorful.
Onion, celery (sometimes bell pepper) form the classic flavor base in many Louisiana dishes.
Garlic: Lots of it, freshly minced.
Worcestershire Sauce: The tangy, umami backbone of this sauce.
Spice Blend: Creole or Cajun seasoning packs a punch. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Butter, Butter, Butter: The secret to that velvety rich sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect BBQ Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works too—just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
- Leave the Shells On: Cooking shrimp with the shells adds depth to the flavor and helps prevent overcooking. If you prefer easy peeling, you can devein them beforehand.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Cook Quickly: Shrimp cook fast! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s what makes the sauce rich and luxurious.
Variations of BBQ Shrimp
BBQ shrimp is a versatile dish that lends itself to creative twists. Here are some popular variations:
- Grilled BBQ Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Skewer and grill them for a smoky flavor.
- BBQ Shrimp Pasta: Toss cooked shrimp and sauce with al dente pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve your BBQ shrimp over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Creamy BBQ Shrimp: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a velvety texture.
How to Serve BBQ Shrimp
BBQ shrimp is a showstopper on its own, but the right accompaniments can elevate the dish even further. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Crusty Bread: The buttery sauce is the star of this dish, and crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up every drop.
- Over Rice: Serve shrimp and sauce over white or brown rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- With Grits: Transform your BBQ shrimp into a Southern classic by pairing it with creamy cheese grits.
- On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a bed of greens with a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette.
How to Store BBQ Shrimp
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), follow these storage tips to keep your BBQ shrimp fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking.
- Freezing: You can freeze BBQ shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make BBQ shrimp without butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a combination of olive oil and a small amount of coconut milk or heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
2. Is BBQ shrimp spicy?
BBQ shrimp has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While fresh or raw shrimp are best, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch. Just add them to the sauce at the end and heat through briefly.
4. What type of shrimp is best for BBQ shrimp?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best, as they’re meatier and hold up well to the bold flavors of the sauce.
5. Can I make BBQ shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the shrimp fresh, as they only take a few minutes to cook.
BBQ Shrimp (New Orleans Style)
BBQ Shrimp - This Succulent, juicy shrimp are perfectly seasoned with a blend of smoky spices, and charred to perfection on the grill. This dish brings together the bold flavors of summer barbecues, creating a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled or unpeeled
- 1 stick butter, unsalted, cut into cubes
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly minced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup shrimp stock (or chicken stock/beer)
- ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely cracked
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (or Cajun)
- Hot sauce, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan. Add worcestershire, hot sauce, stock, rosemary, garlic, bay leaf, cajun seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the sliced lemon and shrimp. Toss to coat with the sauce. Put on the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until just cooked through.
- Remove the cover. Add the lemon juice, turn off the heat and add the unsalted butter cubes and stir to combine unti fully melted.
- Adjust salt, lemon and seasoning as per taste. Sprinkle with freshly chopped scallions and parsley.
- Enjoy with bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 438Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 453mgSodium 2829mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 46g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Final Thoughts
BBQ shrimp is a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you stick to the traditional New Orleans recipe or experiment with your own twist, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab some shrimp, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to a bowl of buttery, spicy goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
