This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe brings the bold, spicy, buttery flavors of one of the most famous dishes from the Big Easy right to your kitchen. It’s cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, lemon, and a variety of seasonings that perfectly complement the shrimp. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, and you might find yourself licking your fingers and the plate clean after enjoying it!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.

4. Combine:
   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to coat the shrimp in the flavorful sauce.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. This dish goes wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 220mg

• Sodium: 700mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

Why New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

New Orleans is known for its rich culinary traditions, blending French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences to create a unique, vibrant food scene. One of the standout dishes from the area is New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Despite its name, it’s more of a stovetop dish than anything related to grilling or traditional BBQ. What makes this shrimp so irresistible is the combination of bold spices—smoked paprika and cayenne pepper—balanced by the richness of butter and the zesty punch of lemon. The sauce, made with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and chicken broth, coats the shrimp perfectly, making each bite a flavorful explosion. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with complex flavors, and it’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold, spicy seafood.

Cooking the Shrimp: Simple Yet Flavorful

The key to New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is cooking the shrimp perfectly. Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure they sear well and don’t steam in the pan. Seasoning them with salt and pepper before cooking enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a savory base. Cooking the shrimp in butter and olive oil allows them to absorb flavor while also achieving a golden, crispy exterior. Shrimp cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side—so be careful not to overcook them. Once the shrimp are done, set them aside and let the sauce do the heavy lifting in terms of flavor development.

The Sauce: Rich, Spicy, and Buttery

The magic of this dish lies in the sauce. The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a smoky, spicy base, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the richness of the butter. The lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrusy contrast that balances out the spice and adds brightness to the dish. The chicken broth helps to create a smooth, slightly thin sauce that clings to the shrimp beautifully. Simmering the sauce for just a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, flavorful sauce that is perfect for soaking up with rice or crusty bread.

Combining the Shrimp and Sauce

After making the sauce, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat them evenly. This step allows the shrimp to soak up the bold flavors of the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, spicy goodness. You only need a minute or two to heat the shrimp through, making this a quick and simple dish to prepare. The shrimp should be tender, juicy, and perfectly coated in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

This dish is best served hot and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditional accompaniments include steamed white rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce. Crusty bread is also a great choice for sopping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter option, serve the shrimp with a fresh salad, providing a crisp contrast to the richness of the dish. The bold flavors of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp are sure to stand out on any plate, and the dish is flexible enough to complement a wide range of sides.

Nutritional Benefits of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is not only flavorful but also relatively healthy, especially for a dish that’s as indulgent as this one. Each serving contains about 30 grams of protein, making it a great choice for a high-protein meal. The shrimp are naturally low in fat, and the butter used in cooking provides a richness that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. The lemon juice and zest offer a burst of vitamin C, and the addition of garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper brings antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The dish is also low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. The richness of the buttery sauce, combined with the zesty lemon and smoky paprika, makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, takes very little time, and packs a punch in terms of flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to deliver. It’s a perfect representation of New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage, bringing together spices, seafood, and a buttery sauce to create a memorable meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the bold, spicy, and buttery flavors of the Big Easy right to your kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp and a rich, zesty sauce makes this dish a standout choice for any occasion. Serve it with rice, bread, or a fresh salad, and you have a complete, satisfying meal. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So fire up the skillet, get the shrimp ready, and enjoy the taste of New Orleans in the comfort of your own home!