Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

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Bold, buttery, and unapologetically Southern, Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a New Orleans–style classic that proves barbecue doesn’t need a grill. Juicy shrimp simmer in a rich garlic butter sauce loaded with Cajun spices, lemon, and a touch of heat. This crowd-pleasing seafood recipe comes together fast, feels indulgent, and is perfect for dipping warm French bread into every last drop of sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on and deveined
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• French bread, for serving

Instructions for Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

1. Prepare the shrimp
   Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry. Leave shells on for maximum flavor.
2. Melt the fats
   Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt fully, then stir in olive oil.
3. Sauté the garlic
   Add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce
   Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Cook the shrimp
   Add shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with warm French bread.

Pro Tips

• Use shell-on shrimp to lock in moisture and deepen flavor
• Pat shrimp dry to help them sear instead of steaming
• Adjust heat by changing cayenne or hot sauce amounts
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor

Why This Recipe Works

• Fast, one-pan cooking
• Rich garlic butter sauce with balanced heat
• Restaurant-quality flavor at home
• Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners

Substitutions & Variations

• Milder version: Reduce cayenne and hot sauce
• Extra smoky: Add more smoked paprika
• Protein boost: Add cooked sausage slices
• Herb swap: Use cilantro instead of parsley

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-ahead: Sauce can be prepared 24 hours in advance
• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 2 days
• Freeze: Freeze shrimp and sauce for up to 1 month
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a bit of butter

Serving Ideas for Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

• Serve family-style in a large bowl with bread
• Pair with coleslaw or green salad
• Offer as a party appetizer with small ramekins
• Add to rice or pasta for a heartier meal

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~560
• Protein: ~38g
• Fat: ~42g
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Sodium: Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peeled shrimp?

Yes, but shell-on shrimp provide better flavor and juiciness.

Is Louisiana BBQ Shrimp very spicy?

It has a gentle heat that’s easy to adjust.

What bread works best?

Crusty French bread or baguette is ideal.

Can I cook this without cast iron?

Absolutely—any heavy skillet works well.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp delivers bold Cajun flavor with minimal effort. From the garlicky butter sauce to the tender shrimp and irresistible spice blend, this dish is a guaranteed hit whether served as an appetizer or a main course. Quick, indulgent, and unforgettable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

Olivia taling

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is a bold New Orleans classic featuring shell-on shrimp simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with Cajun spices, lemon, and a touch of heat. This quick stovetop recipe delivers deep Southern flavor perfect for dipping crusty French bread.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Seafood Dinner

Cuisine Cajun, Louisiana

Servings 4 servings

Calories 568 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• mixing spoon or spatula
• knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb large shrimp, shell-on and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• French bread, for serving

Instructions

 

• Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry, leaving the shells on for maximum flavor.
• Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt fully, then stir in olive oil.
• Add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
• Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Add shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with warm French bread.

Notes

Use shell-on shrimp for the most flavorful results. Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure proper searing. Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control heat levels. Serve immediately with warm French bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Keyword cajun shrimp recipe, garlic butter shrimp, louisiana bbq shrimp, new orleans shrimp

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