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BBQ Shrimp Recipe Main

BBQ Shrimp

Authentic Cajun BBQ Shrimp is a classic New Orleans dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, and spicy sauce. Despite its name, this dish isn't barbecued; the "BBQ" refers to the bold, smoky flavors in the sauce. The shrimp are cooked with Cajun spices, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and plenty of butter, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any seafood lover.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs shrimp shell on
  • 12 tbs unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbs hot sauce
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup beer
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 1 tbsp bayou city garlic pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp bayou city All purpose seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • salt to taste
  • parsley garnish (optional)
  • green onion garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and drain. Keep the shells on for maximum flavor.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup (8tbsp or whole stick) of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and beer. Stir well to combine.
  5. remove the rosemary, thyme, and oregano leaves from stem and chop them up into fine pieces.
  6. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, bayou city seasonings, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Add the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
  8. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the remaining 3 tbsp of butter, stirring until melted into the sauce to create a rich, velvety texture.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and/or green onion and serve immediately. Pair with crusty French bread for dipping or serve over a bed of rice.

Video

Notes

Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The rich, buttery sauce is a key component of BBQ shrimp. Use real unsalted butter for the best taste and to control the saltiness of the dish.
Use Fresh, Quality Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Shell-on shrimp add more flavor to the sauce, but you can use peeled shrimp for convenience. If you can find them, head-on shrimp will provide even more richness to the dish.
Finish with Butter Off-Heat: Adding a final touch of butter off the heat gives the sauce a silky, luxurious texture. This step enriches the sauce and helps to emulsify it.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve BBQ shrimp with crusty French bread to soak up the sauce, or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal. A side salad or sautéed greens can add a fresh contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp.