When I made this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe for the first time, I was amazed by how easy it was to create something so flavorful. The combination of bold, zesty spices and that savory sauce just swept me off my feet.

It’s not a traditional barbecue recipe, despite the name, but instead a saucy, spicy dish that brings the vibrant taste of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. Serve it with some crusty French bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds).

This is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Now, I’m excited to share it with you. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There’s so much to adore about this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an effortless way to bring bold and comforting flavors to your table. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites:

Quick and Easy to Make

Even if your schedule is packed, this recipe won’t have you tied up in the kitchen all night. Most of the cooking involves just tossing ingredients into a skillet and letting the flavors develop. And with a total cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Versatile for Different Diets

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip the bread or serve it with gluten-free options. If you’re dairy-free, you can easily swap out butter for a plant-based alternative without sacrificing flavor. It’s so adaptable that you can tweak it to fit almost any dietary preference.

Customizable Spice Levels

Love spice? Add a bit more cayenne for some extra heat. Prefer it mild? Dial back on the paprika and cayenne. This dish lets you play with the heat to suit your taste buds, making it great for families or gatherings with varying spice preferences.

Packed with Bold Flavors

Think buttery, garlicky, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Each bite is an explosion of flavor. The Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice create a tangy, umami-packed base, while Creole seasoning brings a hearty Louisiana kick.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Casual Nights

This dish looks and tastes restaurant-quality, but its simplicity makes it equally suitable for a relaxed family dinner. Serve it for date night, a dinner party, or a cozy evening in. It’ll wow every time.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it’ll take to cook this recipe from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

To whip up this amazing dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Crusty French bread or rice

Variations

Sometimes, a few tweaks can take a recipe in a whole new direction. Here are some variations you can try to make this dish your own:

Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan buttery spread.
Extra Zesty Pop: Add some orange zest along with the lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Sugar-Free Option: If you like a hint of sweetness to balance the spice, use sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit instead of traditional sugar.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

Ensuring you have the right tools will make this recipe even easier to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet – for cooking shrimp and making the sauce
Cutting board – for preparing garlic and parsley
Knife – to mince garlic and chop parsley
Tongs – to toss and cook the shrimp evenly

How to Make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail this dish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have it ready in no time! 🌟

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Drizzle over some olive oil, then add 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. 🦐 This step ensures you’re packing each bite with maximum flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Next, add your seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! 🍳

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then remove the cooked shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup dry white wine, and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir everything and allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, letting the butter melt into the sauce. Stir everything together until the shrimp are coated in that glorious sauce. Plate up, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve it with crusty bread or over rice. 🍋✨

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your New Orleans BBQ Shrimp turns out perfect every time:

Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Always adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences.
Allow the sauce to reduce properly—it thickens and intensifies the flavor.
Warm your bread slightly before serving so it soaks up the sauce beautifully.

How to Serve New Orleans BBQ Shrimp?

Consider presenting your shrimp in a wide bowl for easy serving. Pair it with crusty French bread to absorb every drop of that spicy, buttery sauce. Garnish with some extra parsley for a pop of color, and don’t forget to add a few lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Alternatively, serve it over fluffy cooked rice or even creamy grits for a heartier meal. Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes for a final touch of heat, if desired. 🌶️

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect per serving of this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp:

Calories: 275
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you’re in luck!

Cooked shrimp and sauce can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent overcooking. For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

With this recipe, you don’t have to book a flight to New Orleans to experience the city’s cuisine. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp to the rich sauce and serving options, this dish is pure perfection. Get your skillet ready and enjoy the taste of Louisiana right at home!

Check out this video for a step-by-step guide: