New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a bold, buttery Creole dish with shrimp simmered in a spicy, sauce, not grilled, featuring garlic, lemon, Worcestershire, and Creole spices.
This delicious meal bursts with deep Southern taste in every bite. I made this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp after watching a show featuring how it was made in Louisiana.
The vibrant sauce and sizzling shrimp inspired me instantly. Now, I will show up and give a clear, step by step guide on how to make this recipe.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a classic Creole dish known for its bold, rich flavours. Despite the name, it’s not grilled or smoked instead, jumbo shrimp are sauteed in a buttery, spicy sauce made with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Creole seasoning.
The main speciality of this dish lies in its deeply flavourful sauce, which is perfect for dipping with crusty French bread. The combination of heat, tang, and savoury butter makes it uniquely New Orleans and irresistibly delicious.
How To Prepare New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun / Creole (New Orleans, Southern USA)
Yield: Serves 4
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Large skillet or saute pan
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (approx. 18 pieces) jumbo shrimp, shell-on, deveined
- 1 loaf French bread, for serving
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Crystal)
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere’s)
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
How To Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
1. Get The Shrimp Ready
Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Keep the shells on they add tons of flavour while cooking. If they’re not already deveined, go ahead and do that now.
2. Cook The Base Flavors
Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and see-through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for another minute, just until it smells amazing.
3. Make The Sauce
Now stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar. Season with Creole seasoning, plus some salt and black pepper. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavours come together.
4. Add The Shrimp
Drop the shrimp into the pan and stir to coat them in that rich sauce. Cook for around 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them once or twice, until they’re pink and cooked through. Don’t walk away they cook fast and can get rubbery if overdone.
5. Time To Eat
Ladle everything into bowls while it’s hot. Make sure to pour plenty of that sauce over the top. Serve with slices of French bread you’ll want it for soaking up every bit of that bold, buttery sauce.
Nutrition Facts Of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Expert Tips
● Use fresh jumbo shrimp with shells on to enhance flavor and keep them juicy during cooking.
● Saute onions and garlic slowly to build a deep, rich base for the sauce.
● Balance the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and Creole seasoning according to your taste.
● Allow the sauce to simmer before adding shrimp to fully develop the flavors.
● Serve immediately alongside crusty French bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp over creamy cheesy grits for a hearty Southern dish.
2. Pair the shrimp with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the rich sauce.
3. Add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
4. Include roasted or grilled asparagus or green beans for a fresh vegetable side.
5. Offer warm, crusty French bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
How To Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Tastier?
Enhancing New Orleans BBQ Shrimp involves using fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Boost the sauce by adding extra garlic and a splash of smoky paprika or cayenne for a deeper spice profile.
Letting the sauce simmer longer allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds brightness.
Serving the shrimp immediately while the sauce is hot and rich ensures every bite is bursting with bold, savoury, and tangy Creole goodness.
Why You’ll Love New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp offers a unique combination of bold, spicy, and buttery flavours that create an unforgettable taste experience.
The juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich, tangy sauce that highlights Creole spices and fresh ingredients. This dish brings warmth and excitement to the table, capturing the essence of Southern cooking.
Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness, making it a delicious and memorable meal that delights the senses and satisfies hunger.
How To Store Leftovers New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
Leftover New Orleans BBQ Shrimp should be cooled to room temperature before storing. Place the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
Refrigerate for up to two days to keep the flavors intact. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp, preserving their tender texture.
Serve immediately after reheating to enjoy the rich, buttery sauce and flavourful shrimp at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Shrimp Works Best For New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
Jumbo shrimp with shells on are preferred for maximum flavour and juiciness.
Is The Sauce Really Made With Barbecue Sauce?
No, the “BBQ” refers to the spicy, buttery sauce not traditional barbecue sauce.
Can I Use Peeled Shrimp Instead Of Shell On?
Yes, but keeping the shells on helps keep the shrimp moist and adds extra flavour.
How Spicy Is New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
It has a mild to medium heat, which can be adjusted by the amount of hot sauce and Creole seasoning.
What Should I Serve With New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?
French bread, rice, or creamy grits work great to soak up the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and quickly cook the shrimp when ready.
Conclusion
This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making and sharing. I hope you feel inspired to try it in your own kitchen.
It’s simple, full of flavour, and brings a true taste of New Orleans right to your table. Now it’s your turn make it soon and let me know how delicious it turned out for you. I’m excited to hear your thoughts!
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New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Equipment
- Large skillet or saute pan
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs approx. 18 pieces jumbo shrimp, shell-on, deveined
- 1 loaf French bread for serving
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce e.g., Tabasco or Crystal
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning e.g., Tony Chachere’s
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Get The Shrimp Ready
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Keep the shells on they add tons of flavour while cooking. If they’re not already deveined, go ahead and do that now.
Cook The Base Flavors
- Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and see-through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for another minute, just until it smells amazing.
Make The Sauce
- Now stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar. Season with Creole seasoning, plus some salt and black pepper. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavours come together.
Add The Shrimp
- Drop the shrimp into the pan and stir to coat them in that rich sauce. Cook for around 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them once or twice, until they’re pink and cooked through. Don’t walk away they cook fast and can get rubbery if overdone.
Time To Eat
- Ladle everything into bowls while it’s hot. Make sure to pour plenty of that sauce over the top. Serve with slices of French bread you’ll want it for soaking up every bit of that bold, buttery sauce.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Sodium: 1100mg | Sugar: 5g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”