Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
If you are craving something bursting with bold flavors and Southern charm, this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Juicy, plump shrimp cooked in a buttery, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce delivers a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exciting. The magic lies in the perfectly balanced Creole seasoning combined with a touch of tangy lemon and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, making every bite sing with that authentic Louisiana spirit. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe is as simple as it is sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to making this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe shine. Each item plays its own special role—whether it’s the rich butter adding depth, the Creole seasoning bringing robust heat, or the lemon juice brightening everything up.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (shell-on, deveined): Using shell-on shrimp helps lock in flavor and juiciness while cooking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a luscious, creamy base for the sauce that coats every shrimp beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps meld flavors together and prevents burning during sautéing.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds an irresistible aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings in umami and a touch of tang for extra complexity.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Offers a fresh brightness that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or beer: Helps create a flavorful, saucy base with body and a little zing.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning: The star blend of spices that gives this dish its trademark Southern heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note enhancing the overall profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Boosts the heat for those who love a spicy kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Grounds the flavors with a mild peppery warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the seasonings.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Adds a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color as garnish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a lovely herbal brightness and visual appeal.
How to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by heating up your skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and olive oil together—the combination of these fats forms the rich, silky foundation your shrimp will swim in. While that’s warming, have your garlic minced and all spices ready to go.
Step 2: Build the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Add the minced garlic into the melted butter and oil, letting it gently cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and chicken broth or beer to create a flavorful liquid base. Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), black pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes—this simmer is where all the spices blend and intensify, creating that irresistible sauce that defines the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Add your shrimp to the skillet in a single layer for even cooking. The magic happens here—let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the other side until the shrimp turn perfectly pink and opaque. During cooking, don’t forget to spoon the sauce over the shrimp continuously; this ensures they absorb every drop of that spicy, buttery goodness.
Step 4: Final Touches and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley on top. These garnishes add just the right amount of freshness and color to complement the rich, spicy shrimp, completing the look and flavor of your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe.
How to Serve Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and sliced green onions isn’t just for looks—they bring a cool brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you want to get fancy, a wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add an extra zesty punch.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is so saucy and flavorful, serving it alongside crusty bread is a no-brainer—you’ll want every bit of that sauce soaked up! Other great companions include fluffy white rice or creamy grits, both of which provide a mellow base that balances the bold spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the shrimp in individual small cast iron skillets or rustic wooden bowls—presentation adds charm and warmth. Another fun idea: turn this into a casual feast by laying the shrimp and sauce out on a large platter with plenty of crusty baguette slices for communal dipping. Either way, it’s bound to bring everyone together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, but be sure to keep the shrimp submerged in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the buttery sauce, freezing is not ideal for this dish as the texture of the shrimp and sauce can change. If you must freeze, remove shrimp from the sauce and freeze separately in a single layer to avoid sogginess—but fresh is always best with this recipe!
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or a bit more butter if the sauce has thickened too much. This prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery and keeps the sauce silky and luxurious.
FAQs
Can I peel the shrimp before cooking?
Absolutely! Traditionally, the shrimp are cooked with shells on to maximize flavor and juiciness, but if you prefer an easier eating experience, peeled shrimp work perfectly well in this recipe too.
What is the best substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, beer is a great alternative and adds a nice depth to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of seasoning would do in a pinch.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Creole seasoning and the optional cayenne pepper. You can easily tweak the spiciness by adjusting or omitting the cayenne to suit your taste buds.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor that buttery, saucy perfection, you can prepare the sauce ahead and add fresh shrimp when ready to cook. This helps save time without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have Creole seasoning?
You can create a simple substitute by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. This blend will capture the essence of Creole flavors for your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavors and comforting warmth of this Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe to make any meal feel special. Its blend of buttery richness, garlic punch, and spicy Creole goodness is pure joy on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish invites you to share a taste of Louisiana hospitality in every bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring large shell-on shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, and smoked paprika. This stovetop recipe delivers a spicy, aromatic main course perfect for seafood lovers, traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or beer
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown to keep the flavor delicate.
- Combine seasoning and liquids: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, chicken broth or beer, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Spoon the sauce continuously over the shrimp to coat them evenly and infuse flavor.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat once shrimp are cooked through. Sprinkle sliced green onion and chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread to dip into the luscious sauce.
Notes
- For the best flavor, serve shrimp with shells on, but you may peel them before serving for easier eating.
- For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter right before serving.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
