If you’ve never experienced the bold, buttery, and spicy goodness of the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe, you’re in for a serious treat. This dish is the perfect marriage of succulent shrimp simmered in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with garlic, paprika, and just the right amount of heat. Every bite sings with southern charm and a hint of Cajun magic that makes it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings that New Orleans flair straight to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the cornerstone of this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe, each playing a vital role to build up rich layers of flavor, texture, and color. With pantry staples and fresh shrimp, this recipe is straightforward but delivers a deeply satisfying taste.
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on: Using large shrimp ensures a juicy, meaty bite and the tails add a rustic charm and help lock in flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth base to start the sauce and gently coats the pan for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces: This is where the richness and silky texture come from, making the shrimp irresistibly decadent.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings that aromatic punch that brightens every bite and complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami and a slight tanginess that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the richness by adding a fresh citrus flare.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers smokiness and vibrant color, an essential Cajun seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the subtle kick that makes this dish authentically spicy but not overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that blends perfectly with the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers a hint of Mediterranean herb flavor to round out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together and season the shrimp properly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, helping everything meld beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh color and a burst of mild herbal brightness for garnish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: To squeeze over the dish for an extra lively touch of citrus that brightens each bite.
How to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the unsalted butter pieces and let them melt gently, creating a rich foundation. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, cooking it for about 30 seconds until you catch that amazing garlic aroma – this is where the magic starts to build.
Step 2: Layer in the Flavors
Next, add the Worcestershire sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Along with these, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything thoroughly. Bring this savory blend to a gentle simmer to let the spices bloom and the sauce thicken just slightly, preparing it to coat the shrimp beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer within the skillet, ensuring each one gets equal love from that flavorful sauce. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn that perfect shade of pink and are opaque all the way through. While they cook, spoon the sauce repeatedly over the shrimp; this bastes them in all the incredible flavors, making each bite packed with savory goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
As you take the skillet off the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. This little touch adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a beautiful pop of green that makes this dish irresistible. Don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side—they’re the perfect companion to squeeze over the top right before digging in.
How to Serve Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe, sprinkle on some extra fresh parsley or even chopped green onions. A light dusting of smoked paprika on top looks stunning and invites you to dive right in. Serving with lemon wedges always adds that last smile of brightness that perfectly complements the buttery, spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
This shrimp recipe pairs fabulously with crusty French bread, which is ideal for soaking up every drop of the luscious sauce. If you’d like something heartier, serve it alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the spices and soak up that buttery goodness. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add a fresh counterpoint that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shrimp in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight to the table for an inviting, family-style presentation. For a fancy twist, layer the shrimp over a bed of garlic butter toasted baguette slices, or pile it on top of creamy polenta for a comforting Cajun-inspired feast. Whatever style you choose, this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe is sure to wow your guests visually and on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making for a quick, delicious meal the next day without any fuss.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind that shrimp texture can be slightly affected after freezing, so it’s ideal to eat sooner rather than later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop, gently stirring so the shrimp warms evenly and the sauce stays smooth. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If sauce has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to silky perfection.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Fresh or properly thawed shrimp both work beautifully.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust it?
This recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to the cayenne pepper, which you can easily adjust. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely. For extra heat, feel free to add more or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce combined with a little lemon juice and a pinch of sugar can mimic the flavor well. This keeps the umami and tangy notes that Worcestershire sauce adds.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce label to make sure it’s safe if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other seafood or ingredients to the dish?
You can definitely get creative by adding scallops, crab meat, or even some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in food form—rich, spicy, and utterly satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and savor the wonderful layers of Cajun flavors that make it a true New Orleans classic you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Print
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful Cajun dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs. This stovetop recipe is quick to prepare, delivering tender, spicy shrimp perfect for serving with crusty bread or rice to soak up the smoky, zesty sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the butter pieces and allow them to melt completely.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma into the butter.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine the ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Shrimp: Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Spoon the sauce continuously over the shrimp as they cook to fully coat and flavor them.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat once the shrimp are cooked through. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a fresh, herbal note.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp immediately and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end of cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred heat level.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or French bread to complement the sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best quality.
