Why You’ll Love This New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp is a standout dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Louisiana right to your kitchen. This recipe is simple and quick, taking just about 20-30 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. You’ll appreciate how it combines fresh shrimp with a bold, spicy sauce that appeals to home cooks looking for something exciting yet accessible.
Beyond its ease, this dish packs health benefits like protein from fresh shrimp and heart-healthy spices. For instance, ingredients such as olive oil add antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for those watching their diet. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, its versatility lets you adapt it for different needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy its distinctive Cajun flair.
This recipe’s unique flavor comes from a perfect blend of spices and garlic butter sauce that creates a memorable meal. For more on why seafood can be a smart addition to your diet, check out this health benefits of shrimp resource. Overall, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances rich, buttery notes with just the right amount of heat, perfect for creating those special moments around the table.
Key Features of the Recipe
- Ease of preparation: Requires minimal ingredients and about 20-30 minutes, ideal for busy parents and working professionals.
- Health benefits: Loaded with protein and spices that offer antioxidants, it’s great for diet-conscious individuals.
- Versatility: Easily modified for gluten-free, low-calorie, or vegan options to suit various lifestyles.
- Distinctive flavor: The authentic Cajun spices mixed with a garlic butter sauce make it truly unique compared to regular shrimp dishes.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
- 2. Essential Ingredients for New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
- 5. Mastering New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
- 8. New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
Essential Ingredients for New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic taste of New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp. This section outlines everything you need to create the flavorful sauce and prepare the shrimp. For a complete list, we’ll focus on the precise measurements from the recipe to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
The Full Ingredient List
- 2 pounds medium to large fresh shrimp, unpeeled
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried 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 (as needed for garnish)
This structured list ensures you have all the elements for the sauce, which balances buttery richness with garlic, lemon, and a blend of spices. Special Dietary Options include using plant-based shrimp substitutes for vegan versions or ensuring Creole seasoning is gluten-free.
How to Prepare the Perfect New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp is straightforward and fun, even for beginners. Start by prepping your shrimp, which adds to the dish’s rich and spicy profile. Follow these steps to bake the shrimp in a flavorful sauce that highlights its distinctive taste.
- First, prepare the shrimp by leaving them unpeeled and placing 2 pounds of medium to large fresh shrimp in a baking dish.
- Next, make the sauce by combining 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, 1/4 cup olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried 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 in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp in the baking dish, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to blend the flavors.
- Serve immediately with crusty French bread to soak up the buttery, spicy sauce for the best experience.
For more seafood inspiration, try our Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque if you’re looking to explore similar dishes. This method keeps the shrimp tender and infuses them with the sauce’s bold spices.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
Adapting New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp for different dietary needs is simple and keeps the dish’s core flavors intact. Whether you’re vegan or watching calories, these swaps make it inclusive for everyone from students to seniors.
- Protein alternatives: Use plant-based shrimp substitutes for vegan options or swap with scallops for variety.
- Sauce modifications: Replace butter with olive oil for a low-calorie version, or use gluten-free Cajun seasoning to avoid gluten.
- Seasoning tweaks: Add bell peppers for extra nutrition or adjust cayenne pepper for heat sensitivity.
This flexibility ensures the sauce’s buttery richness with garlic and lemon remains, as described in the original recipe.
Mastering New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. For instance, using clarified butter can enhance the sauce’s flavor while preventing it from burning. Experiment with adding smoked chipotle for a smoky depth or substituting lemon juice with lime for a fresh twist.
Expert Techniques
- Use clarified butter for a higher smoke point and cleaner taste when sautéing.
- Flambé the shrimp with brandy for added richness, but do so carefully.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve in cast iron skillets to keep it hot and visually appealing.
For make-ahead options, prepare the spice butter mixture ahead and store it separately. This way, you can quickly assemble the dish with fresh shrimp, maintaining the balance of buttery richness and spices.
How to Store New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp: Best Practices
Proper storage helps preserve the quality of your New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp, keeping that garlic-infused sauce flavorful. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a sealed bag for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Use airtight containers to keep the sauce from spoiling. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Store sauce and shrimp separately for better texture. |
| Reheating | N/A | Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth to avoid drying out. |
When batch cooking, keep components separate to retain the dish’s spicy and buttery essence, as per the traditional recipe.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
What makes New Orleans style barbecue shrimp different from regular barbecue shrimp?
New Orleans style barbecue shrimp is unique because it doesn’t actually involve grilling over a barbecue. Instead, the shrimp are cooked in a rich butter, garlic, and spice sauce made with Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and Creole seasonings. This method creates a flavorful, slightly spicy coating rather than a smoky glaze. The shrimp are typically sautéed in the sauce, allowing them to absorb the bold flavors, making this dish distinctively rich and savory compared to other barbecue shrimp recipes.
How do I make authentic New Orleans style barbecue shrimp at home?
To make authentic New Orleans style barbecue shrimp, start with fresh large shrimp, peeled but with tails on. In a skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne, and Creole seasoning. Sauté the shrimp in this sauce over medium-high heat until they are cooked through, usually 4-5 minutes. Serve the shrimp in the buttery sauce with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
Can I prepare New Orleans style barbecue shrimp without the shell?
While cooking shrimp with the shell on helps retain flavor and adds texture to New Orleans style barbecue shrimp, you can use peeled shrimp if preferred. Cooking peeled shrimp requires careful timing to avoid overcooking and losing the rich sauce coating. If using peeled shrimp, reduce cooking time slightly and consider adding extra seasoning or butter to maintain flavor depth. Serving with the shell on is more traditional but peeled shrimp works for convenience.
What side dishes pair well with New Orleans style barbecue shrimp?
Classic side dishes that complement New Orleans style barbecue shrimp include crusty French bread, which is perfect for dipping into the buttery sauce. Other popular options are creamy grits, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a full Creole meal, consider serving with red beans and rice or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the shrimp dish.
Is New Orleans style barbecue shrimp spicy, and can I adjust the heat?
Yes, New Orleans style barbecue shrimp usually has a mild to medium spicy kick from black pepper, cayenne, and Creole seasoning. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne and adjust the black pepper to taste. For more spice, increase these seasonings or add hot sauce. The dish’s creaminess from butter balances the spice well, so you can tailor the heat level to your preference without losing its signature flavor.
New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free option if served without bread
Description
🍤 This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp is bursting with bold spices and a rich garlic butter sauce that creates an unforgettable flavor.
🍞 Served with crusty French bread, it’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds medium to large fresh shrimp, unpeeled
– 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 6 cloves of minced garlic
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
– 1 teaspoon dried 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 as needed for garnish
Instructions
1-First, prepare the shrimp by leaving them unpeeled and placing 2 pounds of medium to large fresh shrimp in a baking dish.
2-Next, make the sauce by combining 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, 1/4 cup olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried 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 in a bowl.
3-Pour the sauce over the shrimp in the baking dish, ensuring they are fully covered.
4-Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to blend the flavors.
5-Serve immediately with crusty French bread to soak up the buttery, spicy sauce for the best experience.
Notes
🦐 Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
🍞 Serve with crusty French bread to fully enjoy the rich garlic butter sauce.
🌶️ Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: New Orleans shrimp, BBQ shrimp, Creole shrimp, garlic butter shrimp