#shrimp
Spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
* 1½ lbs large or jumbo shrimp, head-on and/or shell-on
* 3 tbsp salted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
* ½ cup hot sauce
* ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 1 tbsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
* 4 tsp ground black pepper
* 12 tbsp cold salted butter, cut into cubes
For Serving
* French bread
* Chopped parsley (optional)
* Lemon wedges
Directions
1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, and black pepper.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half.
5. Add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until pink and fully cooked.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
7. Gradually whisk in the cold butter, a few cubes at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and velvety.
8. Taste and adjust with additional Creole seasoning if desired.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with warm French bread for dipping into the buttery sauce.
If you're looking to bring a taste of New Orleans into your kitchen, this Spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect blend of heat, tanginess, and buttery richness that's hard to beat. One personal tip I've found helpful is to use fresh jumbo shrimp with shells on, as they add extra flavor during cooking and keep the meat tender and juicy. When making the sauce, be sure to keep the heat at medium-high initially to get a good sauté of the garlic, allowing those aromas to develop fully before adding the hot sauce and Worcestershire. The reduction step is key—it intensifies the sauce’s depth and balances the spicy, tangy, and savory notes. Adding the cold butter cubes gradually while whisking creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the shrimp beautifully. I also like to taste and tweak the seasoning at the end—sometimes a little extra Cajun seasoning adds the perfect kick. Serving with warm French bread is a must as it soaks up all the delicious sauce. For a fresher note, squeezing some lemon wedges on the shrimp just before serving brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness. You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or Creole seasoning to suit your preference. Pairing this dish with a cold beer or a crisp white wine enhances the dining experience even more. This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and brings the spirit of New Orleans straight to your table.
