It’s been years since I last visited New Orleans, but the memories of that trip are forever etched in my mind. The bustling streets, the vibrant culture, and, of course, the mouthwatering cuisine – it’s a sensory experience like no other. One dish that stands out in my mind is the iconic New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce). I can still remember the first time I tried it, sitting at a cozy little restaurant in the French Quarter, the buttery, spice-infused sauce dripping down my chin as I eagerly devoured each succulent bite. From that moment on, I was hooked, and this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, a delicious way to bring the flavors of the Big Easy right to my own home.
Why This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
What makes this New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe so special is the perfect balance of bold, zesty flavors and a silky, indulgent butter sauce. The secret lies in the careful selection and combination of ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating the signature taste. From the Worcestershire sauce that adds a depth of umami, to the bright lemon juice that cuts through the richness, and the aromatic garlic and herbs that infuse every bite with incredible flavor – it’s a symphony of tastes that transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate this iconic dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, these succulent shrimp are the foundation of the dish, providing a sweet and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This rich, creamy ingredient is the backbone of the signature sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This savory condiment lends a complex, umami-packed flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The bright, acidic notes of the lemon juice help balance the richness of the butter and create a tantalizing contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic garlic is essential for adding depth and warmth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This spice contributes a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A touch of heat from the cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: The earthy, herbaceous notes of thyme complement the other seasonings beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season the dish and enhance the natural flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adding a fresh, bright note to the dish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: The perfect accompaniment to squeeze over the shrimp for a burst of citrus.
Step-by-Step New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Instructions
Preparing Your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe is a breeze to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time for a total of 30 minutes. All you’ll need is a skillet or sauté pan and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by thoroughly peeling and deveining the shrimp, ensuring they’re clean and ready to cook.
2- In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and gently bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3- Quickly add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp start to turn pink and curl up.
4- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5- Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley.
6- Serve the New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the top. Enjoy this bold, flavorful dish with crusty bread or over rice to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use the freshest, largest shrimp you can find for the best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they’re opaque and cooked through.
- For a smoother, creamier sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of cold butter at the end to emulsify the sauce.
- Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Start with the 1/2 teaspoon and increase if you want a spicier kick.
Serving and Storing Your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Perfect Pairings for New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) dish is a true showstopper, serving 4 people as a main course. To complete the meal, consider serving it with crusty French bread or over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp green salad or a simple slaw would make an excellent accompaniment. And don’t forget to offer lemon wedges on the side, as a squeeze of citrus really helps to brighten up the rich, buttery flavors.
As for beverages, this dish pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which can help to cut through the richness. For a more casual, New Orleans-inspired pairing, an ice-cold beer, like a Abita Amber or Dixie Lager, would also be a fantastic choice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the shrimp and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you’d like to get a head start on this recipe, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the fresh, cooked shrimp. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to impress.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Creative New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Variations
While the classic New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) is truly hard to beat, there are a few fun variations you can try to put your own spin on the dish:
- Spicy New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon for a bolder, fiery kick.
- Herb-Crusted New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Add a breadcrumb or panko topping seasoned with herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Citrus-Infused New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Swap the lemon juice for orange or grapefruit juice for a refreshing twist.
- Bacon-Wrapped New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Wrap each shrimp in a slice of crispy bacon before sautéing.
Making New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Diet-Friendly
For those looking to enjoy this dish while following a specific dietary plan, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-Free New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Low-Carb New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Serve the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Dairy-Free New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Vegan New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce): Use plant-based “shrimp” and dairy-free butter or oil to create a delicious, meat-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use smaller shrimp instead of large?
A: While large shrimp are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can certainly use smaller shrimp in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as smaller shrimp cook more quickly.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
A: This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe has a total preparation and cooking time of 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the fresh, cooked shrimp.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe serves 4 people as a main course.
Q: What should I do if the sauce seems too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of water or broth and stirring to combine.
New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Discover the rich, buttery flavors of New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp in this easy-to-make, 30-minute recipe. Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they are pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
5. Garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or hot sauce to the butter sauce. Serve the shrimp with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Cajun
Conclusion
This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe is a true taste of the Big Easy, bursting with bold, zesty flavors and a luxurious, indulgent sauce. Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of a trip to New Orleans or simply want to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
