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I love New Orleans style BBQ shrimp! Despite the name, these shrimp aren’t barbecued or grilled—they’re pan-fried in a rich, savory, buttery garlic and Worcestershire mix that’s as smokey and delicious as any BBQ sauce. There’s a bit of Cajun seasoning in there too, to make sure these shrimp are perfectly spiced! It’s one of my favorite easy summertime dishes since it takes just 25 minutes from start to finish!
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Pin ItI love that I can mix a few savory ingredients to create a rich, smokey, buttery BBQ sauce for this Cajun-inspired shrimp! It’s so simple and so flavorful!
Tips for Beginners
- Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Properly cooked shrimp should read 120°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- If you’d like to grill this BBQ shrimp instead, place the shrimp on a hot grill, and cook on both sides until no longer opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- The shrimp is balanced and moderately spicy. The level of spice can be adjusted by the amount of cayenne pepper used. Reduce it for a milder flavor or add more for a spicier dish.
BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans Style)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds large shrimp* deveined
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its flavor.**½ cup unsalted butter, 5 cloves garlic
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, and toss in the butter mixture to coat evenly.2 pounds large shrimp*
- Cook the shrimp in the skillet for 4-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make BBQ Shrimp Step by Step
Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in it. Add 5 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Add the Seasonings: Stir in ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Toss the Shrimp: Add 2 pounds of large deveined shrimp to the skillet, and toss in the butter mixture to coat evenly.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the skillet for 4-5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover BBQ shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a lightly-oiled frying pan just until warmed through.
Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp is the perfect addition to a salad or pasta dish. It’s a great chicken alternative on a classic Cobb salad or in our Cajun chicken pasta. We also love adding it to shrimp and grits for a zesty take on a classic. Whatever you choose, this spicy and flavorful Cajun BBQ shrimp is sure to be a hit!
