What is the secret ingredient in Louisiana BBQ shrimp?

The richness comes from the generous use of butter combined with bright lemon juice and savory Worcestershire sauce. This trio forms the core flavors1rich, tangy, and umami1that define the classic Louisiana BBQ shrimp taste. Adjusting spices makes the dish your own.

Is Louisiana BBQ shrimp actually cooked on a barbecue?

Despite its name, Louisiana BBQ shrimp is typically prepared on the stovetop or baked in the oven rather than on an outdoor grill. The term "BBQ" refers more to the bold, saucy preparation than the cooking method. This method traces back to New Orleans 1s rich culinary history.

How can I make Louisiana BBQ shrimp with less butter?

You can reduce butter by substituting some portion with olive oil for a lighter dish. Note that butter adds distinct richness and mouthfeel, so reducing it will affect the texture and depth of flavor, but the dish remains delicious and satisfying.

Why do recipes recommend cooking shrimp with the shells on?

The shells help retain moisture and infuse the dish with extra flavor during cooking. While you can peel shrimp before cooking, keeping the shells on increases juiciness and results in a tastier sauce. Peel before eating for convenience.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp: Easy Recipe with Authentic Sauce

Name: Simple New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe with Authentic Louisiana Sauce Mix
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: Butter (14 tablespoons or 1 ¾ sticks, cold and cut into cubes); Olive oil (optional, for variation); Worcestershire sauce (⅓ to ½ cup); Amber beer (⅓ cup, can be substituted with stock or water); Garlic (3 to 6 cloves, minced); Bay leaf (1 to 2); Creole or Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon); Black pepper (1 teaspoon, coarsely cracked); Hot sauce (several dashes, adjust to taste); Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano (optional); Paprika and cayenne pepper (for additional spice, optional); Fresh shrimp (2 lbs, 16-20 count or larger, peeled or unpeeled); Lemon slices and juice (1 lemon, plus additional to taste); Green onions (4 to 5, thinly sliced); Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, minced); Crusty French bread for serving

Description

🦐 Dive into the flavor-packed world of Simple New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, an authentic Louisiana delight perfect for any occasion.
🍋 Experience the rich, buttery sauce that complements succulent shrimp, making it an unforgettable dish.

Ingredients

Butter (14 tablespoons or 1 ¾ sticks, cold and cut into cubes)
Olive oil (optional, for variation)
Worcestershire sauce (⅓ to ½ cup)
Amber beer (⅓ cup, can be substituted with stock or water)
Garlic (3 to 6 cloves, minced)
Bay leaf (1 to 2)
Creole or Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon)
Black pepper (1 teaspoon, coarsely cracked)
Hot sauce (several dashes, adjust to taste)
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano (optional)
Paprika and cayenne pepper (for additional spice, optional)
Fresh shrimp (2 lbs, 16-20 count or larger, peeled or unpeeled)
Lemon slices and juice (1 lemon, plus additional to taste)
Green onions (4 to 5, thinly sliced)
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, minced)
Crusty French bread for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit if baking.
2. In a large sauté pan or saucepan, combine Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, bay leaf, seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add shrimp and lemon rounds to the mixture, tossing to coat evenly. For baking, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cook for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. For stovetop, cover the pan and reduce heat to medium, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
4. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Stir in cold butter cubes until the sauce emulsifies. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sliced green onions and parsley. Serve immediately with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

📏 For more depth, cook shrimp with shells or even heads on to enhance flavor.
🔥 Adjust spice level according to preference by adding extra hot sauce, cayenne, or paprika.
🍞 Use plenty of French bread to enjoy soaking up the creamy and complex sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing or Baking
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 443
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 890 mg
Fat: 35 grams
Saturated Fat: 20 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 6 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 24 grams
Cholesterol: 230 mg