I’m from New Orleans, and I love the city’s vibrant food scene. The barbecue shrimp Recipe is a favorite of mine. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that takes you to the French Quarter. There, you’ll smell spices and seafood everywhere.
This bbq shrimp recipe is special because it mixes bold flavors with the shrimp’s sweetness. It’s a true taste of New Orleans, blending old traditions with new twists. It’s a meal you won’t forget.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Creole dish featuring fresh gulf shrimp in a rich, buttery, and spicy sauce
- Captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine with a blend of Cajun spices and fresh herbs
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal
- Versatile dish that can be served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice
- Emphasis on the quality of shrimp and the importance of finishing with butter for the perfect texture
Understanding New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans-Style Barbecue Shrimp is a seafood dish loved by many. It was first made famous in the 1950s at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans. A customer asked for something like a Chicago dish, and the chefs created a unique New Orleans version.
Origins at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant
This dish is not grilled, but pan-fried in a rich butter sauce. Pascal’s Manale’s recipe has become a key part of Creole cuisine. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers in New Orleans.
Why It’s Called BBQ Despite No Grilling
The dish gets its “barbecue” name from its brown color. This comes from spices, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized butter. But, it’s not grilled.
Traditional Creole Cooking Method
The dish’s magic is in its cooking method. Shrimp are cooked in their shells, blending juices and flavors with the sauce. Creole spices, Worcestershire sauce, and butter make it rich and savory.
New Orleans-Style Barbecue Shrimp is now a favorite across the country. Restaurants and home cooks try to make it. It’s a bold dish that shows off New Orleans’ culinary genius and the charm of Creole cuisine.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Shrimp
To make the best BBQ shrimp, you need the right mix of ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a bold, smoky flavor. The heart of this dish is the bbq shrimp ingredients that give it its unique taste.
Begin with 1 pound of extra-large, fresh shrimp. Make sure they have shells and heads for more flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients bring the dish’s savory notes to life.
For the sauce, use 1/4 pound of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a bit of water. Also, include 2 cloves of minced garlic and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. These add depth and a hint of heat.
The final touches are 1/2 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of coarsely ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. These herbs and spices balance the flavors.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a barbecue shrimp dish that’s full of New Orleans flavor. Get ready for a seafood treat that will take you to the lively streets of New Orleans.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-large shrimp, with shells and heads | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Creole seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 lb |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper, coarsely ground | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
The Secret Behind the Rich Butter Sauce
The rich, velvety butter sauce is what makes barbecue shrimp so special. It’s a mix of Worcestershire sauce, spices, and a special emulsion technique. This creates a creamy texture that coats each shrimp perfectly.
Worcestershire and Spice Blend
The sauce starts with a mix of Worcestershire sauce and amber beer. This gives it a deep, savory flavor. Spices like paprika, ancho chile powder, and cumin add warmth and a hint of heat. They also bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Butter Emulsion Technique
The sauce’s smoothness comes from the emulsion technique. By slowly adding butter, it turns from a thin liquid to a thick, creamy sauce. The recipe uses 14 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the best richness and texture.
Balancing Flavors with Citrus
To balance the sauce, a bit of lemon juice is added. This citrusy touch cuts through the richness. A few dashes of hot sauce can also be added for extra heat.
This sauce is the real highlight of the dish. It makes the barbecue shrimp incredibly flavorful and luxurious. The secret sauce is what makes this dish so special, showcasing the skill of New Orleans-style cooking.
Selecting and Preparing Fresh Shrimp
Creating the perfect barbecue shrimp starts with fresh, high-quality shrimp. Fresh shrimp make a big difference in taste and texture. Look for shrimp that are plump, firm, and have a bright color. Shrimp that are dull, discolored, or smell strongly of fish are not fresh.
Using shell-on or head-on shrimp adds more flavor. The shells and heads make the sauce richer. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and drain well. Leave the shells on for cooking; they’ll come off easily after.
Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender. Remove them from heat when they’re pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 4 minutes | 6 servings |
Follow these tips for selecting and preparing fresh shrimp. You’ll make a barbecue shrimp dish that’s full of flavor and perfectly cooked.
Barbecue Shrimp Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
Try this amazing Barbecue Shrimp recipe to level up your seafood dishes. It comes from Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans. This dish is known for its bold, smoky flavors. Follow these easy steps to make it in your kitchen.
Marination Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mix of spices, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter. This step makes the shrimp taste deeper. Let the shrimp marinate for 2-8 hours to soak up all the flavors.
Cooking Temperature and Timing
Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and look opaque, meaning they’re done.
Sauce Development
The sauce’s richness comes from mixing the right ingredients. Start by cooking onion and garlic in butter. Then, add the cooked shrimp and deglaze with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and a bit of beer or chicken broth. Finish with a swirl of butter off the heat for a glossy sauce.
By following these steps, you’ll make a Barbecue Shrimp dish that will wow your guests. Enjoy the bold flavors and perfectly cooked shrimp in every bite.
Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
When you serve BBQ shrimp, the side dishes are key. They help bring out the bold, smoky flavors. Whether it’s a backyard party or a cozy dinner, the right sides can make your meal even better.
Start with a basket of crusty French bread for dipping in the sauce. It’s great for catching every last bit of flavor. For something more filling, try the shrimp over fluffy white rice or creamy grits. Both are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
To balance the shrimp’s richness, add a fresh salad. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad works well. For a bigger side, try a Mediterranean quinoa salad or a zesty kale and apple slaw.
For a Southern touch, make fluffy buttermilk biscuits or cornbread. They pair beautifully with the shrimp’s bold flavors.
Don’t skip the veggies! Grilled or sautéed greens like garlic-sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and freshness.
Side dishes for BBQ shrimp are endless. You can choose creamy grits, fragrant rice, vibrant salads, or hearty veggies. The goal is to find the right mix of flavors and textures to enhance the BBQ shrimp.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
Craving New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp? It’s all about the rich, buttery sauce. Here are some expert tips to make restaurant-quality BBQ shrimp at home.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skimp on the butter – the authentic sauce relies on a generous amount of real, unsalted butter to achieve its signature creamy, silky texture.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp – they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan for too long. Keep a close eye and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Finish the sauce off the heat – whisk in that final pat of butter at the end to create a smooth, emulsified sauce, rather than letting it cook directly over high heat.
Professional Chef Recommendations
Seasoned chefs suggest a few other techniques to elevate your BBQ shrimp:
- Carefully control the heat and spice levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Serve the shrimp immediately while the sauce is still warm and glossy for maximum flavor and texture.
- Use stone-ground grits instead of instant for a heartier, more authentic pairing with the bold BBQ shrimp.
By following these BBQ shrimp cooking tips, you can unlock that signature restaurant-quality shrimp experience right at home.
Variations and Regional Adaptations
The classic New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp recipe has inspired many variations across the United States. This shows how versatile this seafood dish is. Chefs and home cooks have added their own twists, using new flavors and techniques.
One popular twist adds BBQ shrimp variations with mushrooms and crispy bacon. This makes the dish richer and more complex. Another version uses heavy cream in the sauce, giving it a French-style reduction that sticks to the shrimp.
Regional shrimp recipes reflect the diverse culinary influences of their areas. Along the Gulf Coast, recipes often include Cajun and Creole spices, local citrus, and diced tomatoes or bell peppers. Inland, different types of beer or wine might be used in the sauce, adding a unique flavor.
BBQ shrimp is great because it can be adapted to many tastes. Whether you like the classic New Orleans style or something new, try different BBQ shrimp variations and regional shrimp recipes. You’ll find one that perfectly suits your taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Planning ahead is key for perfect barbecue shrimp. This make-ahead shrimp recipe is both convenient and flavorful.
Marinate the shrimp in the seasoning blend up to 8 hours before cooking. This lets them soak up the smoky flavors. You can also prep the sauce ingredients early, making cooking day a breeze.
Leftover barbecue shrimp can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat them gently to avoid overcooking. If the sauce separates, just whisk it back together.
Learning how to store and prep BBQ shrimp makes enjoying this New Orleans dish easy. Impress your friends and satisfy your seafood cravings with this restaurant-quality recipe.
Conclusion
New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp is a standout Creole seafood dish. It highlights the Big Easy’s vibrant flavors and rich culinary history. This dish, born at Pascal’s Manale, has won hearts and taste buds globally.
Now, you can make this dish at home. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main course. It brings the bold, smoky taste of New Orleans right to your table.
Exploring New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipes is exciting. The key is using simple ingredients and mastering flavors. With patience and a love for Creole cooking, you’ll impress everyone. Enjoy the journey and let New Orleans’ flavors shine in every bite.
FAQ
What is New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp?
New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp is a dish from Creole cuisine. It features fresh Gulf shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery, and spicy sauce. The name “BBQ” doesn’t mean it’s grilled; it’s about the bold flavors.
Where did BBQ shrimp originate?
BBQ shrimp was created in the 1950s at Pascal’s Manale in New Orleans. A chef made it based on a customer’s idea of a Chicago dish.
What are the key ingredients in BBQ shrimp?
Key ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and beer. Also, butter, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and parsley are also used. Bayou City Seasonings add extra flavor.
How do you make the rich, buttery sauce?
The sauce mixes Worcestershire sauce, spices, lemon, and lots of butter. Butter is added at different times to make the sauce silky. Lemon juice balances the rich flavors.
How do you properly prepare the shrimp?
Use fresh, high-quality shrimp, preferably with shells on for more flavor. Rinse them under cold water. Keep the shells on for extra taste. Don’t overcook to avoid a tough texture.
What is the cooking process for BBQ shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp in a spice blend, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. Cook the aromatics in butter, then add the shrimp. Cook until they’re pink. Add more Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, beer, and herbs. Finish with butter off-heat for a glossy sauce.
What are some recommended side dishes and pairings?
Serve with crusty French bread for dipping. Or over rice or cheesy grits. Sautéed greens or a fresh salad are good contrasts. Buttermilk biscuits also pair well.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making BBQ shrimp?
Don’t skip the butter for the authentic sauce. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Finish the sauce with butter off-heat for a silky texture. Adjust the heat with hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Are there any variations or regional adaptations of BBQ shrimp?
Yes, you can add mushrooms and bacon for more flavor. Or use heavy cream for a French-style sauce. Regional versions might use different spices or local ingredients. Try different beers or wines in the sauce.
How can I make BBQ shrimp in advance and store leftovers?
Marinate the shrimp up to 8 hours in advance for better flavor. Prepare the sauce ingredients ahead for quicker cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Where Can I Find More Recipe Ideas?
You can explore more recipes in our categories: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. For additional inspiration, check out popular sites like AllRecipes and Tasty.