We’ve fallen head over heels for New Orleans BBQ shrimp – and once you taste this iconic Crescent City dish you’ll understand why it’s captured hearts across the South. Even though its name this mouthwatering creation doesn’t involve a barbecue grill at all. Instead we’re talking about succulent Gulf shrimp swimming in a rich buttery sauce that’s packed with garlic Worcestershire and Creole spices.
This restaurant-style dish originated in the legendary New Orleans dining scene where bold flavors reign supreme. The magic happens when plump shrimp meet an intensely flavored sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty French bread. We’re sharing our perfected version that brings authentic Big Easy flavors straight to your kitchen.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves because eating New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a hands-on experience that’s as fun as it is delicious. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that’ll transport you to the bustling streets of the French Quarter with every bite.
What Makes New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Special
The magic of New Orleans BBQ shrimp lies in its deceptive simplicity paired with explosive flavor complexity. We love how this dish transforms humble Gulf shrimp into something extraordinary through the perfect marriage of butter, garlic, and Creole seasonings.
Unlike traditional barbecued dishes that rely on smoke and char, New Orleans BBQ shrimp gets its distinctive character from a rich, aromatic butter sauce that clings to every curve of the shrimp. The sauce becomes the star, creating an intensely flavorful bath that infuses each bite with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a carefully balanced blend of spices.
What sets this dish apart from other shrimp preparations is its hands-on eating experience. We appreciate how the shells stay on during cooking, which serves multiple purposes: they protect the delicate shrimp meat from overcooking while adding depth to the sauce as natural flavors release during the cooking process. The result is a more complex, oceanic taste that you simply cannot achieve with peeled shrimp.
The generous amount of butter in authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp creates an almost sauce-like consistency that begs to be soaked up with crusty French bread. This isn’t just a garnish or side thought – the bread becomes an essential part of the dining experience, allowing you to capture every drop of that precious, flavor-packed sauce.
Temperature plays a crucial role in what makes this dish special. We serve New Orleans BBQ shrimp piping hot, which keeps the butter sauce fluid and allows the aromatic compounds from the garlic and spices to fill the air. The contrast between the hot, savory shrimp and the cool, crusty bread creates a sensory experience that transports you straight to a bustling New Orleans restaurant.
The beauty of this dish also lies in its authenticity to New Orleans culture – it represents the city’s approach to food where bold flavors reign supreme and messy, communal eating brings people together around the table.
Essential Equipment and Tools
Creating authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp requires the right equipment to achieve that signature buttery sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. We’ve identified the essential tools that will help you master this iconic dish at home.
Large Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan serves as our foundation for this recipe. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots that could burn the delicate butter sauce, while the heavy construction maintains consistent temperature throughout cooking. We recommend a 12-inch skillet to accommodate 2 pounds of shrimp without overcrowding.
A Tight-Fitting Lid becomes crucial for steaming the shrimp evenly in their shells. This coverage traps moisture and heat, ensuring the shrimp cook through without becoming tough or rubbery.
Tongs or Large Spoon allows us to gently toss and coat the shrimp in the aromatic butter sauce. These tools prevent piercing the shells while ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board prepare our aromatics with precision. We need these for mincing garlic finely, slicing lemon wheels, and chopping fresh herbs like green onions and parsley for garnish.
Measuring Tools guarantee accuracy in our spice blend and liquid ingredients. Standard measuring spoons and cups ensure the perfect balance of Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings that define this dish.
Medium Saucepan provides an alternative cooking method for those preferring to bake their shrimp. We can prepare the butter sauce base in this pan before transferring everything to an oven-safe dish.
| Equipment | Purpose | Size Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron Skillet | Even heat distribution | 12-inch diameter |
| Lid | Steam retention | Matching skillet size |
| Tongs | Gentle stirring | 9-inch length |
| Chef’s Knife | Precise chopping | 8-inch blade |
| Measuring Cups | Accurate portions | Standard set |
Wide Shallow Serving Dish presents our finished shrimp beautifully while keeping the butter sauce accessible for bread dipping. The shallow depth prevents the sauce from pooling too deeply, making it easier for guests to enjoy every drop.
Optional Oven expands our cooking methods, as some recipes call for finishing the dish at 350°F. This technique can provide more gentle, even cooking for larger batches or when entertaining multiple guests.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to deliver the authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp experience that makes this dish legendary. Our ingredient list focuses on premium components that create the signature buttery sauce and bold Creole flavors.
For the Shrimp
- 2 pounds extra-large shrimp (shell-on)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3-4 tablespoons butter (added gradually)
- Optional: paprika, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, sugar (for extra spice and depth)
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grilled or crusty bread (to soak up the sauce)
- Lemon wedges
Preparation Steps
Getting our New Orleans BBQ shrimp ready involves two key phases that set the foundation for this iconic dish. We’ll focus on properly preparing our shrimp and creating that signature buttery sauce that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Prep the Shrimp
We start with 2 pounds of fresh shell-on shrimp in medium to jumbo sizes and keep them refrigerated until we’re ready to cook. The shells stay on throughout the entire cooking process because they protect the delicate shrimp meat and infuse the sauce with deeper oceanic flavors.
We rinse our shrimp under cold running water and gently pat them dry with paper towels if needed. Our shrimp should feel firm to the touch and smell like fresh ocean water rather than fishy. Keeping the shells intact during preparation ensures the shrimp retain their natural juices and don’t overcook in our rich butter sauce.
Make the BBQ Sauce
We heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 1.5 to 2 sticks of butter as our base. Once the butter begins to melt we incorporate 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce along with 5 to 6 cloves of minced garlic for that essential aromatic foundation.
Next we add our dry seasonings: 2 bay leaves, 1 to 2 tablespoons of Creole or Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1.5 teaspoons of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. We finish with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and can include hot sauce or fresh herbs like rosemary and green onions for additional complexity.
We let this mixture melt and simmer over medium heat until all ingredients blend together and become fragrant. The sauce should bubble gently and develop a rich golden color while the garlic becomes aromatic and the spices bloom in the butter. This creates our signature buttery spicy base that transforms ordinary shrimp into the legendary New Orleans dish we’re after.
Cooking Instructions
Now we transform our carefully prepared ingredients into the legendary New Orleans BBQ shrimp that captures the essence of the French Quarter. The cooking process involves three distinct phases that build layers of flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
We begin by combining 1 1/2 sticks of butter with 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts completely we add 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce and 6 minced garlic cloves to create our flavor base. The mixture should bubble gently as we incorporate 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Sliced green onions join the aromatic blend along with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and lemon slices. We bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer allowing the spices to bloom and meld together. The sauce develops a rich golden color and releases an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen. After reaching a simmer we remove the pan from heat and taste for seasoning adjustments.
Cook the Shrimp
We arrange our 2 pounds of unpeeled medium to large shrimp in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The shells protect the delicate shrimp meat while infusing additional flavor into our sauce. We pour the prepared aromatic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp ensuring each piece gets coated with the golden sauce.
Our oven preheated to 350°F becomes the vessel for transforming raw shrimp into succulent perfection. We bake the shrimp for 15 to 20 minutes stirring once at the halfway point to guarantee even cooking and sauce distribution. The shrimp turn bright pink and curl slightly when properly cooked. Steam rises from the dish carrying the intoxicating blend of butter, garlic, and Creole spices.
Combine and Finish
We remove the baking dish from the oven when the shrimp have achieved their vibrant coral color and firm texture. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges and the shrimp should be completely opaque throughout. We give the dish a final gentle stir to redistribute the flavorful butter sauce.
Serving happens immediately while the shrimp remain piping hot and the sauce stays silky. We transfer the shrimp and all that precious buttery sauce to our wide shallow serving dish. Crusty French bread becomes essential for soaking up every drop of the lemony, garlicky, Cajun-spiced sauce. The total cooking time of approximately 30 minutes delivers restaurant-quality results that transport us straight to the heart of New Orleans.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of New Orleans BBQ shrimp lies in creating a complete dining experience that honors the dish’s rich cultural heritage. We recommend serving this flavorful creation with carefully chosen accompaniments that enhance rather than compete with the bold Cajun flavors.
Traditional Accompaniments
Crusty French bread stands as the most essential accompaniment to New Orleans BBQ shrimp. We serve this bread alongside the hot skillet to allow guests to soak up every drop of the lemony, buttery sauce that makes this dish legendary. The contrast between the warm, tender shrimp and the cool, crusty bread creates the perfect textural balance.
White rice offers another traditional serving option that transforms the dish into a more substantial meal. We recommend spooning the shrimp and their aromatic sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, which absorbs the rich flavors and provides a neutral base for the bold Creole seasonings.
Fresh lemon wedges serve as both garnish and functional accompaniment. We place these bright citrus wedges around the serving dish to allow diners to add extra brightness to each bite. The additional lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter sauce while improving the dish’s signature tangy profile.
Sliced green onion tops provide the final traditional touch we sprinkle over the finished dish. These fresh herbs add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color that complements the golden butter sauce beautifully.
Wine Pairings
Crisp white wines create the ideal pairing for New Orleans BBQ shrimp’s rich and spicy profile. We recommend Sauvignon Blanc for its citrusy notes that echo the lemon in the dish, while Chardonnay offers enough body to stand up to the butter sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavors.
Light bodied red wines present an excellent alternative for those who prefer red wine with their seafood. We suggest Pinot Noir as it provides enough structure to balance the dish’s spiciness while maintaining the elegance needed for shellfish preparations.
Sparkling wines offer a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, buttery shrimp. The effervescence cuts through the sauce’s heaviness while the wine’s acidity complements the dish’s bold Cajun seasonings perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After savoring our New Orleans BBQ shrimp masterpiece, we want to ensure any leftovers maintain their incredible flavor and texture. Proper storage begins with allowing the shrimp to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, then transferring them to an airtight container for immediate refrigeration.
We recommend consuming our refrigerated BBQ shrimp within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and food safety. The rich butter sauce that makes this dish so special requires careful handling to preserve its silky consistency and bold taste profile.
Storage Best Practices:
- Store shrimp and any crusty French bread separately to prevent sogginess
- Use airtight containers to maintain freshness
- Label containers with the date to track storage time
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below consistently
When we’re ready to enjoy our leftovers, gentle reheating preserves the delicate shrimp texture and maintains the signature buttery sauce consistency. We place the shrimp with sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming throughout.
Reheating Methods:
| Method | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Low-medium heat | 3-5 minutes | Stir gently, add butter if needed |
| Microwave | Medium power (50%) | 30-second intervals | Stir between intervals |
| Oven | 300°F | 5-7 minutes | Cover with foil to prevent drying |
Should the sauce appear too thick during reheating, we add a splash of water, chicken broth, or additional butter to restore its original consistency. Microwaving requires extra caution since full power can overcook the delicate shrimp and separate the butter sauce.
Once reheated, we serve immediately with fresh French bread to capture the authentic New Orleans experience. This approach ensures our BBQ shrimp maintains the same buttery, spicy, and tangy flavors that made the original dish so memorable.
Recipe Variations
New Orleans BBQ shrimp offers incredible flexibility for customizing flavors and accommodating different preferences. We’ve explored various approaches to make this classic dish your own while maintaining its authentic character.
Spice Level Adjustments
We can easily tailor the heat level to match your taste preferences without compromising the dish’s signature flavor profile. For those who crave more fire, adding extra cayenne pepper elevates the intensity significantly. Red pepper flakes provide another excellent option for increasing heat while adding textural interest to the sauce.
Hot sauce enthusiasts can incorporate their favorite Louisiana-style sauces like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot directly into the butter mixture. We recommend starting with small amounts and tasting as you go since these sauces pack considerable punch.
When preparing milder versions for sensitive palates, we reduce the cayenne pepper and black pepper quantities by half. Using mild Cajun seasoning instead of the spicier varieties helps maintain the authentic flavor without overwhelming heat. Omitting additional hot sauces entirely allows the other seasonings to shine through.
Freshly cracked black pepper delivers superior flavor compared to pre-ground versions. We always recommend using whole peppercorns ground just before cooking for the sharpest and most aromatic results.
Protein Substitutions
While Gulf shrimp remains the traditional choice, we’ve successfully adapted this cooking technique to other premium seafood options. Scallops work beautifully with the same butter sauce preparation, though they require shorter cooking times to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
Lobster tails create an incredibly luxurious variation that transforms this dish into special occasion fare. We recommend splitting the tails and reducing the cooking time to preserve the delicate lobster meat while allowing the rich sauce to penetrate thoroughly.
Fish fillets such as catfish or red snapper can substitute for shrimp with careful attention to cooking time and handling. These proteins typically need gentler treatment due to their flaky nature and cook faster than shell-on shrimp.
For those seeking non-seafood alternatives, chicken thighs or pork shoulder can work with modifications to the seasoning balance and extended cooking times. But, these substitutions move away from the traditional New Orleans profile and require adjustments to complement the different protein characteristics.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, coarsely cracked black pepper over pre-ground varieties for a more pronounced flavor that enhances the complexity of our butter sauce. We recommend grinding whole peppercorns just before cooking to release their essential oils and create the bold, spicy notes that define authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp.
Select rosemary as your traditional herb choice, though oregano or thyme work beautifully as substitutes if you prefer different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs deliver the most aromatic impact, but dried versions work well when fresh options aren’t available. We sometimes omit herbs entirely for a cleaner, more focused garlic and butter flavor.
Adjust spiciness levels carefully by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce gradually to achieve your desired heat level. Start with small amounts and taste as you go, remembering that the sauce will concentrate as it cooks. We find that building heat slowly prevents overwhelming the delicate sweetness of the Gulf shrimp.
Keep shrimp properly refrigerated until the moment you begin cooking to preserve their firm texture and sweet flavor. Remove them from the refrigerator just 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, which ensures even cooking throughout. This timing prevents the shrimp from becoming tough or overcooked.
Master the butter emulsification technique by removing the skillet from heat completely before adding cold butter pieces. Stir vigorously and continuously until each piece melts completely and blends into a smooth, glossy sauce. This critical step prevents the sauce from separating and creates the signature velvety coating that clings to each shrimp.
Serve immediately with crusty French or sourdough bread to capture the full experience of this New Orleans classic. The bread serves as both a utensil and a side dish, soaking up every drop of the precious butter sauce. We always warm the bread slightly to enhance its ability to absorb the flavorful drippings.
Time your cooking precisely since the entire dish comes together in just 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. This quick preparation time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining, while the impressive presentation suggests hours of careful preparation.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to master this iconic New Orleans dish at home. From selecting the freshest Gulf shrimp to perfecting that signature buttery sauce our recipe brings authentic Big Easy flavors straight to your kitchen.
The beauty of New Orleans BBQ shrimp lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick weeknight meal this dish delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Don’t forget to have plenty of crusty French bread on hand – it’s essential for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce. Your guests will think you’ve brought a piece of the French Quarter home with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a classic Louisiana dish featuring Gulf shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with garlic, Worcestershire, and Creole spices. Despite the name, it’s not grilled or barbecued – the shrimp are typically baked or sautéed with shells on to enhance flavor and create a delicious sauce perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Why are the shells left on New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
The shells are left on during cooking to protect the shrimp from overcooking while adding depth and oceanic flavor to the butter sauce. The shells help create a more complex taste and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough or rubbery during the cooking process.
What equipment do I need to make New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
Essential equipment includes a large cast iron skillet for even heat distribution, a tight-fitting lid, tongs for gentle handling, a sharp chef’s knife, and measuring tools. You’ll also want a wide shallow serving dish for presentation and optionally an oven for gentle cooking methods.
How long does it take to cook New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
The total cooking time is approximately 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. The quick preparation involves building aromatic layers through sautéing, then cooking the shrimp until perfectly done while maintaining the rich, buttery sauce consistency.
What should I serve with New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
Crusty French bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful butter sauce. White rice makes a substantial base, while fresh lemon wedges and sliced green onions add brightness. For drinks, pair with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, light reds like Pinot Noir, or sparkling wines.
How do I store and reheat leftover New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
Cool shrimp to room temperature within two hours, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave on low power, or in a low oven to maintain the sauce consistency and prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Can I adjust the spice level in New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
Yes, easily customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce quantities. Start with less spice and gradually add more to taste. You can also balance heat with extra butter or lemon juice to mellow the intensity while maintaining authentic flavors.
What are good protein substitutions for shrimp?
While Gulf shrimp is traditional, you can substitute scallops, lobster tails, fish fillets, chicken, or pork. Each protein requires different cooking times and seasoning adjustments, but the buttery Creole sauce technique works well with various options while maintaining the dish’s authentic New Orleans character.
