Name: Louisiana BBQ Shrimp – A Southern Classic with Bold Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Shrimp: 1 lb (about 16-20 large shrimp), peeled and deveined; Butter: 4 tbsp (1/2 stick); Garlic: 4 cloves, minced; Cajun seasoning: 1 tbsp (adjust to taste); Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed); Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp; Hot sauce: 1-2 tsp (adjust to spice preference)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s full of flavor, Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a must-try. Don’t be fooled by the name—this dish doesn’t actually involve a grill or BBQ sauce. Instead, it’s all about shrimp being cooked in a rich, spicy, buttery sauce that’s packed with cajun seasonings, garlic, and a touch of lemon. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up that incredible sauce, and you’ve got yourself a Southern feast that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, savory flavor – The buttery, spicy sauce is rich and packed with flavor.
Quick and easy – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Perfect for shrimp lovers – If you love shrimp, this dish is a must. The shrimp soak up all the flavor from the sauce.
Southern comfort – It’s like a taste of New Orleans right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For the full list of ingredients, see below!

Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this dish.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce.
Garlic – Brings depth to the flavor.
Cajun seasoning – This is what gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce – For a bit of tangy umami.
Hot sauce – Adjust to your spice level preference.

Step-by-Step Directions

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—just enough to release the aromas.

Cook the Shrimp

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add the Worcestershire sauce, cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and a splash of hot sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If the sauce reduces too much, add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out.

Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce, making sure they’re evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Serve

Serve the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure not to leave them in the pan too long or they’ll become rubbery.
Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work fine too. Just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
Adjust the spice level – If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce and cajun seasoning. Start with less and add more as needed.
Use a good quality butter – The butter is key to creating that rich, flavorful sauce. Use a high-quality unsalted butter for the best results.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Try with other seafood – If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use this same sauce with scallops, crab, or fish fillets.
Make it spicier – If you love heat, you can increase the hot sauce or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra spice.
Add veggies – You can easily add bell peppers or onions to the sauce for more flavor and texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread – A good loaf of French bread is perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
Pair with rice – Serve the shrimp over white rice or jasmine rice to make a heartier meal.
Side salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the shrimp.
Pair with a cold beer – A crisp lager or a cold pilsner pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat – Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra butter or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, then add the shrimp and cook.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of cajun seasoning and hot sauce you use. It’s customizable, so start with a little and adjust to your heat preference.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine will work in a pinch, I recommend using butter for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of New Orleans. With its rich, spicy sauce and tender shrimp, it’s perfect for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp – A Southern Classic with Bold Flavor

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This dish features shrimp cooked in a rich, spicy, buttery sauce with Cajun seasonings, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for shrimp lovers and anyone craving a bold, Southern-inspired meal. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Shrimp: 1 lb (about 16-20 large shrimp), peeled and deveined
Butter: 4 tbsp (1/2 stick)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Cajun seasoning: 1 tbsp (adjust to taste)
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp
Hot sauce: 1-2 tsp (adjust to spice preference)

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Instructions

Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes. If the sauce reduces too much, add water or broth to thin it out.
Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are coated and the sauce is absorbed.
Serve: Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning.
Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.