The salty, tangy aroma of New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) always takes me back to my college days in the Big Easy. I can still picture myself sitting at a rickety table in a dimly lit jazz club, paper-lined basket of shrimp in hand, licking the buttery sauce off my fingers between sips of an ice-cold beer. Those were the days – when life was simple, the food was incredible, and the music flowed like the mighty Mississippi.
Whenever I make this recipe, it’s like I’m transported right back to the heart of NOLA. The rich, aromatic sauce, the perfectly cooked shrimp, the way it all comes together in one unforgettable bite…it’s magic. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to whip up! Trust me, this New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) is about to become your new go-to.
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 sets this New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe apart is the balance of flavors. The rich, silky butter sauce is the perfect complement to the plump, juicy shrimp. But it’s the subtle blend of Cajun seasoning, lemon, and garlic that really makes this dish sing. The key is to let the sauce simmer just long enough to marry all those incredible flavors, without overcooking the shrimp. The result is a mouthwatering masterpiece that will transport you straight to the heart of the French Quarter.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp is the star of the show, and you’ll want to use large, high-quality shrimp to really showcase the flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The butter is the foundation of the sauce, providing a rich, velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This umami-packed sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The bright, tangy lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: This blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, and cayenne, gives the shrimp its signature New Orleans flair.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A touch of heat helps balance the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the Cajun seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The finishing touches to season the dish perfectly.
Step-by-Step New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Instructions
Preparing Your New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Prep time for this New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe is just 10 minutes, and the cooking time is another 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan to bring this dish to life.
1- Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, if you haven’t already. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
2- In your skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
3- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4- Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are opaque and curl up, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
5- Remove the skillet from the heat and season the shrimp and sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6- Serve the New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) immediately, with crusty bread or over rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use the freshest, highest-quality shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning – it’s what gives this dish its signature New Orleans flair.
- Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook to ensure they don’t become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the shrimp right away for the ultimate fresh-from-the-skillet experience.
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) recipe serves 4 people, and it’s the perfect main course for a cozy dinner at home or a lively gathering with friends. Serve it with a side of fluffy white rice or crusty French bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A crisp, refreshing salad or a simple veggie side like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach would also make a great accompaniment.
And of course, no New Orleans-inspired meal is complete without a refreshing cocktail. A classic Sazerac or a chilled glass of white wine would be the perfect pairing for this dish.
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. To reheat, simply place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
You can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for longer-term storage. Just let the shrimp and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet as you would with the refrigerated leftovers.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
Creative New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Variations
- Spice it up: Add a bit more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Go for the grill: Skewer the shrimp and grill them for a charred, smoky flavor.
- Mix it up: Toss in some diced bell peppers, onions, or even andouille sausage for a heartier, more robust dish.
- Make it a pasta: Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of linguine or fettuccine for a complete meal.
Making New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a high-quality olive oil or coconut oil. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as the sauce may need a bit longer to thicken without the emulsifying properties of butter.
And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, skip the rice or bread and serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of sautéed greens or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of shrimp besides large?
A: While large shrimp work best for this recipe, you can absolutely use medium or jumbo shrimp instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – smaller shrimp will cook more quickly, while larger shrimp may need an extra minute or two.
Q: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?
A: The shrimp are done when they have curled up into a C-shape and are opaque all the way through. Avoid overcooking, as the shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then reheat everything together in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) recipe serves 4 people. It’s the perfect amount for a main course, or you can serve it as an appetizer for a larger group.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A: If you’re not a fan of heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount to 1/8 teaspoon. The Cajun seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor without the extra kick.
New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce)
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the bold, Cajun-inspired flavors of this quick and easy New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp recipe, featuring plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
– Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they are opaque and the sauce is thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
– Serve the shrimp immediately, spooning the rich, buttery sauce over the top. Accompany with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
For best results, use jumbo or extra-large shrimp. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Seafood & Meatless
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, New Orleans
Conclusion
New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Butter Sauce) is one of those dishes that just transports you to another time and place. With its rich, velvety sauce, juicy shrimp, and bold Cajun flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a little taste of the Big Easy right in your own kitchen. Trust me, this New Orleans-inspired masterpiece is about to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
