Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of New Orleans cuisine! The vibrant flavors, the spicy aromas, and that unforgettable touch of Creole culture. When I first tasted real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, it was like a flavor explosion that transported me straight to the heart of the French Quarter. I remember sitting at a small, bustling restaurant, the sounds of jazz floating through the air, and devouring shrimp smothered in a buttery, spicy sauce. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite. It’s truly a celebration of flavor!
Ingredients List
To whip up this mouthwatering real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, gather these ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp – make sure they’re peeled and deveined for that perfect bite!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – this is where the magic happens; it makes the sauce rich and buttery.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds that deep umami flavor you can’t resist.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce – adjust this based on your spice preference; I love it spicy!
- 4 cloves garlic – minced for that aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – brings not only flavor but also a beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked is always best!
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – for that extra heat; feel free to dial it down if you like it milder.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – just to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 cup green onions – chopped, for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Prepare *Real New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp*
Getting ready to make this incredible dish is easier than you might think! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this flavorful feast in no time. First, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. You’ll want to melt that rich butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on it—no one wants burnt butter in this dish!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in your skillet over medium heat, letting it bubble and foam beautifully.
- Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned—just that lovely aromatic scent wafting through your kitchen!
- Next, stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give it a good mix to combine all those bold flavors.
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add in your 1 pound of large shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, so every shrimp gets coated in that luscious sauce!
- When they’re done, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped green onions before serving. Trust me, this sprinkle adds a fresh crunch that you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold, Rich Flavor: Each bite is packed with a heavenly combination of spices and buttery goodness.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are tender and juicy, soaking up that incredible sauce.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the hot sauce to match your spice tolerance; it’s all about your preference!
- Impressive Dish: Serve this to guests, and they’ll be raving about your cooking skills!
Tips for Success
To ensure your real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh shrimp if you can; the flavor is unbeatable! When melting the butter, keep the heat at medium to avoid browning it—burnt butter can ruin the dish. If you like it spicier, don’t hesitate to add more hot sauce or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick! And remember, shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat just as they’re turning pink to keep them tender. Lastly, serve with crusty bread to soak up that irresistible sauce—trust me, it’s a must!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp: approximately 300 calories, 25g of fat, 20g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
What should I serve with this dish? Crusty bread is a classic choice to soak up that delicious sauce, but you can also pair it with rice or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and just add the shrimp when you’re ready to serve!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your real New Orleans style BBQ shrimp experience, serve it alongside some crusty French bread for soaking up that rich, spicy sauce. A light, zesty coleslaw balances the heat perfectly, and don’t forget a refreshing side of garlic buttered rice to soak up every last drop of flavor!
Real New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A classic New Orleans dish featuring shrimp in a spicy, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: real new orleans style bbq shrimp