What makes New Orleans style barbecue shrimp different from regular barbecue shrimp?

New Orleans style barbecue shrimp is unlike typical barbecue shrimp because it is not cooked on a grill with barbecue sauce. Instead, the shrimp are sautéed in a rich and spicy butter sauce made with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and Cajun spices. The dish is served with plenty of the flavorful sauce for dipping crusty French bread. This technique results in tender shrimp with a bold, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that defines New Orleans Creole cuisine.

How do I make authentic New Orleans barbecue shrimp at home?

To make authentic New Orleans barbecue shrimp, start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp in the sauce until just opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking for tender results. Serve immediately with French bread to soak up the buttery, spicy sauce. Fresh ingredients and the right balance of spices are key to replicating the classic New Orleans flavor at home.

Can I use frozen shrimp for New Orleans barbecue shrimp, and how should I prepare them?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for New Orleans barbecue shrimp, but it's important to thaw them properly. Place frozen shrimp in a colander and rinse under cold water for several minutes or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pat shrimp dry to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce. Using peeled and deveined shrimp is best for convenience and flavor. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well when prepared correctly.

Is New Orleans barbecue shrimp spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?

New Orleans barbecue shrimp typically has a mild to moderate spicy kick from black pepper and Cajun seasoning, but it is not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of black pepper, cayenne pepper, or Cajun spice blend. For a milder version, omit cayenne and use less seasoning; for more heat, add extra cayenne or hot sauce. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your spice preference.

What sides go well with New Orleans style barbecue shrimp?

Popular sides that complement New Orleans barbecue shrimp include crusty French bread, which is essential for dipping in the buttery sauce. Other great options are dirty rice, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Some also enjoy serving it over creamy grits or alongside Cajun-style cornbread for a full Creole-inspired meal. These sides help round out the flavors and provide a satisfying dining experience.

New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp Recipe With Zesty Cajun Flavors

Name: New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: – 2 pounds medium to large fresh shrimp (cooked in their shells); – 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter; – 1/4 cup olive oil; – 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; – 6 cloves minced garlic; – 2 bay leaves; – 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning; – 1 teaspoon oregano; – 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – 3 sliced green onions; – 2 tablespoons lemon juice; – Lemon slices for added flavor and garnish

Ingredients

– 2 pounds medium to large fresh shrimp (cooked in their shells)

– 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

– 6 cloves minced garlic

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

– 1 teaspoon oregano

– 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– 3 sliced green onions

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– Lemon slices for added flavor and garnish

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Instructions

1-First, gather and prepare your ingredients as listed earlier. This includes 2 pounds of fresh shrimp in their shells for extra tenderness, along with the measured spices and liquids. Take about 10 minutes to slice the green onions and mince the garlic, setting the stage for a flavorful sauce.

2-Next, in a saucepan, simmer the sauce by melting 1 1/2 sticks of butter with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 sliced green onions, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let this mixture bubble gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors, then add lemon slices for a fresh twist.

3-Pour the simmered sauce over the shrimp in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that tender texture and rich taste, yielding four servings ready in under 30 minutes total.

4-For variations, you might try related recipes like a simple BBQ shrimp dish for more ideas. Once done, serve immediately with crusty French bread to dip into the spicy sauce, making it a hit for any gathering.

Last Step:

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Notes

🦐 Use shrimp cooked in shells for maximum flavor and tenderness.
🌶️ Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your liking.
🍞 Serve with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce for a classic experience.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Simmering
Cuisine: Cajun, New Orleans
Diet: Gluten-Containing

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 220mg