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 Recipe With Bold Garlic Sauce

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, 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

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