New Orleans BBQ Shrimp (Plus Video)

Contents… Recipe Ingredients and Substitutes How to Make Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Shrimp Recipes to Try Watch How to Make It

The Best Barbecue Shrimp in Town!

Our New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp refers to sauteed shrimp, with or without shells, smothered in a buttery, lemony, and savory sauce.

And, of course, the key to this 5-star New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is the butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Surprisingly, making this incredibly delicious dish only takes about 15 minutes.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe Ingredients and Substitutes

The best part about this shrimp dish is that it’s made with pantry-staple ingredients that come together quickly. It’s pretty amazing how such a great combination came from simple ingredients.

• Shrimp – Oh, how I love shrimp! Because the flesh is so tender and flavorful, especially if cooked properly. They are cheaper than lobster, too, and are more accessible. 👌
• Creole Seasoning – I always add this seasoning to most of my recipes because it simply enhances the flavor of any dish. Works magically every time, indeed! Homemade Creole Seasoning is super easy to make and customizable with your preferred herbs and spices.
• Garlic – I’m crazy for garlic. The aroma and intense flavor are just spot on. Not to mention it’s good for you, too. And if you are too lazy to mince garlic, feel free to use garlic powder instead. 😉
• Fresh Thyme – Whether you use fresh or dried thyme, both add a subtle minty flavor, with a hint of floral notes and sweetness to any dish. Here are some thyme substitutes that may be useful for you in the future.
• Worcestershire Sauce – This all-purpose sauce is made with anchovies and cloves. Hence, adding unique complex flavor to our New Orleans barbecue shrimp sauce recipe. You may also combine it with oyster sauce to amp up the flavor.
• Butter – The added buttery flavor compliments the whole dish, completing our soul-satisfying comfort food as well.
• Cayenne Pepper –  This powder adds the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. You can also combine it with some pepper flakes to make it spicier. 😉

How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

1. Wash and Devein – Wash the shrimps thoroughly. Then gently peel off the skin and devein them. (Photo 1)
2. Season – shrimp with Creole Seasoning. (Photo 2)
3. Heat the Skillet – Heat about one tablespoon oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
4. Saute – Add shrimp and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook shrimp. If that happens, remove shrimp and add after adding butter. (Photo 3)
5. Add the Aromatics – Add the garlic and thyme to the pan and stir for about a minute until fragrant. (Photo 4)
6. Add Seasonings – Add Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, lemon juice, Creole Seasoning, and white pepper. (Photo 5)
7. Boil and Simmer – Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 2-3 minutes. (Photo 6)
8. Garnish – Toss in butter, salt, and cayenne pepper, and adjust additional seasonings to taste. Garnish with green onions.
9. Serve and Enjoy – with baguette, rice, or vegetables.

Recipe Variations

• Seafood Swap – Good news for seafood lovers! Because this New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp recipe will certainly work on other kinds of seafood as well. Lobster, prawn, squid, scallops, fish, mussel, oyster, crayfish, you name it! Oh yes! 😋
• Sweet and Spicy – Aside from cayenne and pepper flakes, you can also add heat with some hot sauce or tabasco. And you can balance the spiciness with sugar. Yum!
• Seasonings Galore – There are various seasonings available if you want to amplify the flavors of our New Orleans shrimp recipe. My favorites are Blackened Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, and Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. They will definitely add more twists to our classic Louisiana dish.

Or better yet try out my Jamaican-inspired Peppered Shrimp below.

Tips and Tricks

• If you can’t get your hands on fresh shrimp, you can replace them with frozen shrimp from the supermarket. Although, nothing beats the taste of freshly caught seafood.
• You can also toss in smaller, headless shrimps instead.
• Keep the heat on medium, so it’ll cook the shrimps gently and beautifully and not end up tough and rubbery.
• Shrimps are naturally salty; therefore, you should go easy on the salt. If possible, go for salt-free Creole Seasoning and Worcestershire sauce with less sodium.

Serving and Storage Instructions

To enjoy these New Orleans BBQ Shrimps more, I say you eat them with your fingers and embrace the messiness.

Yes, just like digging into a platter of Buffalo Chicken Wings, and you’ll be hooked in no time 😉

You can also enjoy them with rice or a couple of bread rolls to clean up all the sauce. Aah! Food coma at its finest! These shrimp make an excellent accompaniment to alcoholic drinks, too, such as beer and cocktails.

• Store – Transfer the leftover barbecue shrimp to a clean and dry airtight container once cooled. Then store these babies in the fridge for up to four days or 3-4 months in the freezer.
• Reheat – Unquestionably, the easiest and most effective way to reheat the leftover New Orleans Shrimp Barbecue is on the stovetop. Just add oil or butter to a saucepan over medium-low and heat the leftovers until they are warmed through. 

FAQs

What to Serve with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

Whether you’re serving these saucy shrimp on busy weeknights or game day weekends, this dish certainly delivers well. Oh, you can add this to your Super Bowl menu, too.

Below are pairing suggestions to complete our comfort food combo.

• Parmesan Crusted Baked Asparagus
• Macaroni Salad
• Greek Salad
• Cajun Rice
• Beer Battered Onion Rings

More Shrimp Recipes to Try

• Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
• Shrimp Risotto
• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
• Blackened Shrimp and Pasta
• Jamaican Curry Shrimp

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was first published in January 2018 and has been updated with an additional write-up, and a video.