Tasty New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
Explore the deep, buttery tastes of authentic New Orleans barbecue shrimp with this simple recipe. It’s all about succulent shrimp cooked in a Cajun-style sauce with Worcestershire. This dish truly embodies the spirit of Cajun cuisine and the lively vibe of the Big Easy. It’s perfect for Mardi Gras or if you just want a taste of the South. This 20-minute meal will surely hit the spot for seafood lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce
- Quick and easy 20-minute recipe perfect for Mardi Gras or any occasion
- Sautéed shrimp in a Cajun-inspired, Worcestershire-laced sauce
- Captures the vibrant flavors and spirit of Cajun cuisine from the Big Easy
- Satisfies seafood cravings with a classic Southern dish
What is New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp?
New Orleans barbecue shrimp isn’t like regular barbecue. It’s a Cajun favorite with jumbo Louisiana shrimp cooked in a buttery, tangy sauce. The sauce includes Worcestershire, garlic, beer, and Creole spices. This dish is a key part of cajun seafood in New Orleans.
A Buttery, Flavorful Cajun Classic
The new orleans bbq shrimp is known for its buttery, flavorful sauce. The shrimp are cooked just right, then cold butter is added. This makes the sauce creamy and tangy, great for dipping crusty French bread.
Sautéed Shrimp in a Rich, Tangy Sauce
The main attraction of this cajun seafood dish is the buttery shrimp. The shrimp are sautéed with Worcestershire, garlic, beer, and Creole seasoning. The sauce thickens, creating a tangy flavor that goes well with the shrimp.
The Origins of New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp
The history of New Orleans barbecue shrimp goes back to the 1950s. It started at Pascal’s Manale restaurant. There, the first recipe for this Cajun classic was made. It became a favorite in New Orleans.
The Story Behind the Iconic Dish
The name “barbecue shrimp” might seem odd, but it’s true. The chef at Pascal’s Manale named it that because of its color. The shrimp are sautéed in a tangy sauce, giving them a smoky look.
In the mid-1950s, the chefs at Pascal’s Manale started playing with shrimp recipes. They mixed Cajun spices, butter, and Worcestershire sauce. This mix quickly became a hit in New Orleans and beyond, showing off the city’s rich culinary heritage.
The roots of cajun cuisine that inspired this dish are deep. New Orleans’ mix of French, Spanish, and African cultures shaped its food. Barbecue shrimp is a perfect example of this mix of flavors.
Key Ingredients for Authentic new orleans barbecue shrimp
To make authentic New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, you need the right key ingredients. This dish is all about bold flavors. It combines the savory Worcestershire sauce with the spicy Cajun spices. Let’s look at what makes this dish special.
- Large, Fresh Shrimp: You’ll need 16 jumbo shrimp (12 per pound, about 1 1/2 pounds) for the perfect size.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A full cup of this tangy sauce is key, adding depth and complexity.
- Cajun Spices: A mix of paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano gives it that Cajun taste.
- Butter: You’ll use 1 1/2 cups or 3 sticks of cold, cubed unsalted butter for the creamy sauce.
- Beer or Stock: A bit of liquid, like beer or stock, helps deglaze the pan and mix in all the flavors.
These key ingredients – shrimp, Worcestershire, Cajun spices, butter, and beer or stock – come together perfectly. They create the iconic taste of New Orleans barbecue shrimp. When put together with care, they make a dish that’s spicy, tangy, and richly buttery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps to make this Cajun dish at home.
Preparing the Flavorful Sauce
Begin by mixing Worcestershire sauce, beer, garlic, herbs, and spices in a big skillet. Heat it until it boils. This lets the flavors mix well and the sauce thicken a bit.
Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection
- Add raw, unpeeled shrimp and lemon wheels to the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp are just done.
- Remove the lid and stir in fresh lemon juice. Then, turn off the heat.
- Stir in cold, unsalted butter cubes. This makes the dish creamy, just like New Orleans BBQ shrimp.
The secret to this how to make new orleans bbq shrimp recipe is watching the cooking time. Also, let the sauce mix well with the butter for a smooth, velvety texture.
With these simple step by step recipe and cooking tips, you can make this Cajun classic at home. Serve the shrimp with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. Enjoy this taste of New Orleans.
Serving and Eating Etiquette
When you try the famous New Orleans barbecue shrimp, it’s key to know the right way to eat it. This dish is served with the shrimp heads and shells on. It adds a special flavor to the sauce. You’ll use your hands to peel the shrimp and enjoy every bit of the sauce.
To enjoy New Orleans barbecue shrimp like a local, you’ll get a bib to keep your clothes clean. The shrimp come with crusty French bread for dipping in the sauce. A cold beer or white wine is the best drink to go with it, adding to the dish’s rich taste.
The Classic Way to Indulge in BBQ Shrimp
- Embrace the hands-on approach and use your fingers to peel the shrimp, revealing the tender, succulent flesh.
- Suck the juices from the shrimp heads, savoring the intensely flavored sauce.
- Tear off pieces of the crusty French bread and use them to mop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
- Sip on a refreshing beer or white wine to balance the bold, buttery flavors of the barbecue shrimp.
Enjoying how to serve new orleans bbq shrimp and the traditional dining experience is part of the fun. So, put on your bib, get ready to dive in, and enjoy the eating tips that make New Orleans barbecue shrimp a memorable treat.
Variations and Substitutions
The classic New Orleans barbecue shrimp recipe is known for its rich, buttery taste. But, you can tweak it to fit your taste. If you like it milder, try a lighter Cajun or Creole seasoning. Cut down on black pepper and hot sauce.
On the other hand, if you love spice, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This will make the dish even spicier.
Want a non-alcoholic version? Swap the beer with shrimp or chicken stock. You can also serve it over grits or pasta for a heartier meal. This way, it suits more dietary needs.
Adjusting Spice Levels and Dietary Preferences
- Mild Variation: Use a milder Cajun or Creole seasoning and reduce the black pepper and hot sauce.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute the beer with shrimp or chicken stock.
- Heartier Meal: Serve the new orleans bbq shrimp over grits or pasta for a more substantial dish.
| Variation | Ingredient Adjustments | Dietary Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Milder Cajun/Creole seasoning, less black pepper and hot sauce | For those who prefer less heat |
| Spicy | More cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes | For spice lovers |
| Non-Alcoholic | Replace beer with shrimp or chicken stock | For those avoiding alcohol |
| Heartier Meal | Serve over grits or pasta | For a more substantial dish |
Tips for the Best Results
To make the perfect New Orleans barbecue shrimp, follow these tips. Start with the freshest, highest-quality shrimp. Wild-caught Gulf of Mexico shrimp are best for authentic flavor and texture.
When adding cold butter, do it in small batches towards the end. Stir constantly to make a smooth sauce. This step thickens the sauce and makes it velvety. Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid them becoming tough.
Pay close attention to cooking time and temperature. Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes on one side, then another minute on the other. This ensures they’re perfectly cooked. By following these tips, you can make this Cajun classic in your kitchen.
- Use the freshest, highest-quality shrimp, preferably wild-caught from the Gulf of Mexico.
- Add the cold butter in small batches at the end, stirring constantly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 6 tbsp |
| White wine | 1/2 cup |
| Jumbo Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Suggested Freezing Time | 2 months |
| Calories per Serving | 338kcal |
| Cholesterol Content | 331mg |
| Sodium Content | 1721mg |
| Potassium Content | 494mg |
| Vitamin C Content | 37mg |
| Calcium Content | 243mg |
Follow these tips for perfect new orleans bbq to make the best Cajun-style barbecue shrimp. With the right cooking advice and key techniques, you’ll master this iconic dish.
Conclusion
New Orleans barbecue shrimp is a beloved Cajun classic. It has won over food lovers for years. This dish, with its ½ kg jumbo shrimp, is cooked in a rich, buttery sauce. It’s flavored with garlic, onion powder, and spices.
This easy, 20-minute recipe lets you make this iconic dish at home. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main course. Serve it with French bread and a side salad for a taste of New Orleans.
Check out the Cook and Sipper platform for more recipes. It celebrates Cajun cuisine and enhances your meals. Let New Orleans barbecue shrimp become a favorite in your kitchen.
