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New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 120 reviews

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful and iconic dish featuring succulent jumbo shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, garlicky sauce spiced with Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. This skillet-cooked recipe delivers a perfect balance of zest, heat, and herbs, served alongside crusty French bread to soak up the mouthwatering sauce. It’s a quick and indulgent seafood feast inspired by classic Louisiana flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp (shell-on, tail-on preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of Creole seasoning

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Optional: ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth or seafood stock
  • Optional: Splash of hot sauce (for added kick)

Garnish and Serving

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Crusty French bread or baguette, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry. Leave the shells on for authenticity and flavor. Lightly season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Creole seasoning to build foundational seasoning.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with garlic flavor.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and zest, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or seafood stock. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld and deepen the flavors.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and become opaque. Stir gently to thoroughly coat the shrimp with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Finish with Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, one bit at a time, to emulsify it into the sauce creating a rich, glossy finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of hot sauce if desired.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty French bread or baguette to soak up the delicious, spicy sauce.

Notes

  • For best flavor, keep the shrimp shells on during cooking—it adds richness and aroma to the sauce.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Use fresh parsley at the end for a bright herbal note and visual appeal.
  • Serve with plenty of crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the luscious sauce.
  • If you prefer peeled shrimp, you can use them but flavor may be slightly less intense.

Keywords: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Creole shrimp, Cajun shrimp, spicy shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, Louisiana seafood recipe

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/new-orleans-bbq-shrimp-recipe/