Zesty Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe: Southern Comfort in a Dish

Simmering in a rich, buttery sauce, Louisiana BBQ shrimp transports you straight to the heart of new orleans’ culinary magic.

Spices dance across succulent prawns, creating a sensory explosion that defies traditional seafood expectations.

Gulf Coast flavors burst through each perfectly seasoned bite, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Wild herbs and robust seasonings meld together, turning simple ingredients into a spectacular dish.

Bold Cajun influences shine through every morsel, inviting you to savor authentic southern cooking.

Seafood enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by this mouthwatering recipe that celebrates Louisiana vibrant food culture.

Jump in and prepare for a delectable journey that promises to delight your taste buds.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp That’s Big on Spice and Butter

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this zesty Louisiana BBQ Shrimp in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and a kick of hot sauce, this dish transforms simple shrimp into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this easy recipe that uses a single pan, making it ideal for home cooks who want delicious results without mountains of dishes afterward.
• Family-Friendly Customization: Easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone's taste buds, allowing kids and adults to enjoy this vibrant seafood dish together.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that's the star of this Louisiana classic, best when large or jumbo size and peeled with tail on.
• Butter: Rich base for creating a flavorful sauce and sautéing aromatics, preferably unsalted for better control of seasoning.
• Garlic, Shallots: Provide deep, savory foundation that adds complexity to the dish, fresh is always recommended for best flavor.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Signature spice mix that gives the dish its bold Louisiana-style kick, look for authentic Cajun blend or make your own.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami character to the sauce, creates a tangy background flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and adds freshness, fresh squeezed is ideal.
• Hot Sauce: Provides optional heat and additional Louisiana-style flavor, choose based on personal spice preference.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Flavorful Skillet Method

Step 1: Prep the Sizzling Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Drop in butter and let it melt completely, creating a golden pool of deliciousness.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots

Swirl and cook these flavor-packed ingredients until they release their intoxicating aroma, roughly 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce the Star Performers

Slide the succulent shrimp into the skillet.

• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let them dance in the buttery bath, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink hue.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Symphony

• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Hot sauce

Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving platter.

Grab some crusty French bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Enjoy immediately while the dish is piping hot and bursting with Louisiana spirit.

BBQ Shrimp Know-How Louisiana Style

• Customize the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
• Select large, high-quality shell-on shrimp for maximum flavor and authentic texture, preferably from a reliable seafood market.
• Watch shrimp carefully during cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery; they're done when they turn pink and slightly curl.
• Enjoy Louisiana BBQ Shrimp right after cooking to experience the best taste and texture, using crusty bread to soak up the rich, buttery sauce.
• Select high-quality unsalted butter for better control of the dish's saltiness and to allow the shrimp's natural flavors to shine through.

BBQ Shrimp Storage Tips

• Store leftover Louisiana BBQ Shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Skip microwave reheating to prevent rubbery, tough shrimp texture; stovetop method preserves original flavor and juiciness.
• Ensure shrimp reaches 145°F internally before serving to guarantee food safety and optimal taste.

Shrimp Side Kicks for BBQ Night

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with citrus undertones that complements the rich, buttery shrimp and cuts through the spicy Cajun seasoning.
• Serve with Crusty French Bread: Use rustic, thick-sliced French bread to soak up the delicious, zesty sauce, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience.
• Match with Refreshing Pilsner: Choose a cold, light pilsner beer that balances the dish's spiciness and provides a crisp, clean palate refreshment between bites.
• Create Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with orange segments and a light vinaigrette to enhance the lemony notes in the BBQ shrimp.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp With Bold Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap butter for ghee or coconut oil and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use olive oil instead of butter and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without dairy components.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, marinating them in the same Cajun seasoning and cooking technique for a plant-based protein option.

FAQs

• What makes Louisiana BBQ Shrimp different from regular shrimp recipes?

Unlike grilled BBQ shrimp, this Louisiana-style dish is actually pan-seared and cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with Cajun spices, creating a more intense and flavorful experience that’s uniquely New Orleans.

• Do I need special Cajun seasoning for this recipe?

While you can buy pre-made Cajun seasoning, you can easily make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have a store-bought blend.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to completely thaw them and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning you use. You can control the heat by adjusting these ingredients to suit your personal spice tolerance.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Louisiana BBQ Shrimp, a Gulf Coast delicacy that embodies southern coastal cuisine with bold spices and buttery richness. Succulent prawns swim in a zesty, garlic-infused sauce that invites you to dive into a memorable culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) jumbo shrimp, shell-on (peeled optional)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust for spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty French bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame, allowing the surface to warm evenly.
2. Melt butter gently, creating a golden liquid base that will infuse rich flavor into the aromatic ingredients.
3. Introduce minced garlic and finely chopped shallots to the melted butter, stirring continuously until their fragrance becomes pronounced and they develop a translucent appearance.
4. Carefully add raw shrimp to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the buttery mixture and seasoned generously with Cajun spice blend, creating a vibrant and zesty coating.
5. Allow shrimp to cook undisturbed for approximately 90 seconds on each side, watching for their transformation from translucent gray to a beautiful coral-pink hue.
6. Pour Worcestershire sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and preferred hot sauce into the skillet, creating a dynamic and tangy liquid environment around the shrimp.
7. Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly condense, creating a luxurious and glossy coating that clings to each succulent shrimp.
8. Remove from heat when shrimp are perfectly cooked through and sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Notes

• Enhance seafood flavor by using fresh, high-quality shrimp with shells intact for maximum taste absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to suit personal heat preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substituting with tamari sauce.
• Speed up cooking process by preparing all ingredients before starting to prevent overcooking the delicate shrimp.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg