3-Step Easy barbeque Shrimp Recipe

Experience the bold flavors of the American South with this simple barbeque shrimp recipe. It’s packed with spices and a delicious sauce. This dish is loved for its amazing smell and tender shrimp, making it a favorite in many homes.

Whether you’re having a backyard party or just want a taste of the Bayou, this recipe is perfect. Just a few materials and a little preparation are required. You’ll soon be ready to serve a tasty barbeque shrimp dish that will wow your guests.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the secrets to creating authentic barbeque shrimp with this easy-to-follow recipe
• Learn how to perfectly season and marinate the shrimp for maximum flavor
• Explore the unique origins and characteristics of this beloved New Orleans classic
• Uncover the essential tools and ingredients needed to achieve restaurant-quality results
• Master the art of cooking barbeque shrimp to tender, juicy perfection

Understanding BBQ Shrimp: A New Orleans Classic

New Orleans is famous for its amazing food scene. Among its top dishes is the barbeque shrimp. This seafood favorite comes from the Crescent City and has won hearts around the world. Let’s dive into what makes New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp so special.

Origins of New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp

The story of New Orleans BBQ shrimp starts in the mid-20th century. A local chef, Pascal Radosta, brought it to the city. Radosta mixed shrimp with a rich sauce of butter, herbs, and spices.

What Makes It Different from Regular Grilled Shrimp

• New Orleans BBQ shrimp isn’t grilled like regular shrimp. It’s simmered in a tasty sauce.
• The sauce is key, with butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. It gives the shrimp a unique flavor.
• This cooking method lets the shrimp soak up the sauce’s flavors. It adds flavorful depth to the meal.

If you love New Orleans BBQ shrimp or are trying it for the first time, knowing its story and special qualities is important. It shows the depth of flavor and the rich history behind this dish.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Barbeque Shrimp Recipe

Making the perfect bbq shrimp dish starts with choosing the right ingredients. The star of this New Orleans classic is the shrimp. It should be fresh, plump, and of the highest quality. The magic happens when these ingredients come together to create the barbeque shrimp recipe.

The key ingredients for this dish are:

• Butter – The rich, creamy texture of butter is essential for creating the luscious sauce that coats the shrimp.
• Garlic – Minced or crushed garlic adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Worcestershire sauce – This savory, umami-packed condiment lends a unique tang to the marinade.
• Lemon juice – A bright, acidic note from freshly squeezed lemon juice helps to balance the richness of the dish.
• Herbs and spices – A blend of herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, along with spices like paprika and cayenne, elevate the flavors and create the distinctive New Orleans flair.

Each ingredient is crucial for the flavor and texture of this bbq shrimp recipe. It turns the meal into a sensory extravaganza.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the perfect barbeque shrimp, you need some basic kitchen tools. Cooking is made easier and more enjoyable using these equipment.

Must-Have Cooking Utensils

• A large skillet or baking dish: This is where you cook the shrimp evenly.
• Tongs: They help you flip the shrimp without a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: These are for getting the right amounts of marinade and seasonings.
• Sharp knives: They make quick work of chopping garlic and herbs.

Optional but Helpful Tools

These tools are not essential but can make your cooking easier:

1. Garlic press: It makes crushing garlic easy.
2. Citrus juicer: It helps you get fresh lemon or lime juice.
3. Basting brush: It spreads marinade or sauce evenly on the shrimp.
4. Meat thermometer: It ensures the shrimp are cooked just right.

Having the right tools is key to a great barbeque shrimp dish. With the basics and a few extra tools, you’re ready to make a delicious barbeque shrimp dish.

Selecting and Preparing the Shrimp

For a top-notch new orleans bbq shrimp recipe or barbeque shrimp, the shrimp’s quality and prep matter a lot. We’ll look at picking the best shrimp and getting them ready for the tasty marinade and cooking.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Start by picking the right size and type of shrimp. For the best barbeque shrimp, go for medium to large ones, about 16-20 count per pound. This size gives you a juicy, meaty bite that’s easy to eat.

Fresh shrimp are best, but frozen ones work too. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water for a few minutes. Don’t let them sit at room temperature, as it can cause bacterial growth.

Deveining and Preparing the Shrimp

• Make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back with a small, sharp knife. Then, remove the dark vein. This makes the shrimp better in texture and looks.
• Rinse the deveined shrimp under cold water and dry them with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
• You can leave the tails on for a nicer look. Or, remove them for easier eating. It’s up to you.

By choosing and preparing your shrimp carefully, you’re on your way to a delicious barbeque shrimp dish. It will truly capture the spirit of New Orleans cuisine.

Creating the Perfect BBQ Marinade

Making the perfect marinade is key to delicious bbq shrimp. The right mix of herbs, spices, and aromatics can turn simple shrimp into a flavorful treat. Let’s dive into making the best barbeque shrimp recipe marinade.

Herb and Spice Combinations

The base of a tasty bbq shrimp marinade is choosing the right herbs and spices. Some top picks include:

• Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic
• Lemon zest, oregano, and thyme
• Chili powder, cumin, and cilantro
• Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and black pepper

It’s important to find a mix that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness without being too strong. Try out different mixes to find your favorite barbeque shrimp recipe marinade.

Marinade Timing Tips

The time you marinate your bbq shrimp affects their taste and texture. Here’s a general guide:

1. For a rapid taste enhancement, leave it for 30 to 1 hour.
2. 2 to 4 hours – For a richer, more intense flavor.
3. 4 to 8 hours – For the best flavor, letting the shrimp soak up all the marinade.

Don’t marinate for more than 8 hours, as the shrimp might get too soft. The perfect barbeque shrimp recipe is about finding the right balance of taste and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Learning to make New Orleans-style barbeque shrimp is a fun journey. We’ll guide you through each step. Get ready to wow your guests with a dish that’s a true taste of Louisiana.

Start by getting your ingredients ready – shrimp, butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. In a big skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it smells great, about 1-2 minutes.

1. Put the shrimp in the skillet and let them cook, stirring now and then, until they start to turn pink, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and your favorite spices like cayenne, paprika, and black pepper. To uniformly coat the shrimp, give them a good stir.
3. Lower the heat to low and let the barbeque shrimp simmer for 5-7 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. But don’t overcook the shrimp, as they should stay tender and juicy.

The key to a great New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is finding the perfect mix of bold flavors and tender shrimp. Remember to taste and adjust the spices as necessary. Everyone likes things a bit different.

When you’re done, serve your barbeque shrimp hot. You can put them on crusty French bread or over white rice to catch the sauce. Add some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

To make the best bbq shrimp, you need to watch the temperature and cooking time closely. Follow these key tips to get your barbeque shrimp recipe just right.

Perfect Doneness Indicators

Here’s how to tell if your bbq shrimp are cooked perfectly:

• The shrimp should look opaque and slightly curled, with a bright pink color.
• When you press on the shrimp gently, it should feel firm but still soft.
• The shrimp’s internal temperature should be between 120°F to 130°F for the best taste and texture.

Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let overcooked or undercooked bbq shrimp ruin your meal. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking: Shrimp get tough and rubbery if cooked too long. Take them off the heat when they’re just opaque and firm.
2. Undercooking: Shrimp need to be fully cooked to be safe. Make sure they’ve hit the right internal temperature.
3. Inconsistent Cooking: Shrimp of different sizes or shapes cook at different rates. Try to use shrimp that are about the same size for even cooking.

Stick to these temperature and timing tips to make the perfect barbeque shrimp recipe every time.

Sauce and Seasoning Variations

While the classic new orleans bbq shrimp recipe is amazing, feel free to try new sauce and seasoning combos. You can go from spicy Cajun-style to garlic-herb or lemon-pepper. This lets you make your barbeque shrimp dish truly special.

Think about what flavors you love. If you like bold tastes, try a Cajun marinade with paprika, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. For a fresh twist, mix garlic, herbs like parsley and thyme, and a bit of lemon.

• Spicy Cajun-style: Paprika, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic-herb: Fresh parsley, thyme, lemon
• Lemon-pepper: Lemon zest, ground black pepper, garlic

Start with basic flavors and adjust them to your liking. Taste as you go and keep trying until you find the perfect mix. This way, you’ll create a dish that really gets your taste buds excited.

“The versatility of the New Orleans barbecue shrimp recipe is its greatest strength.

By playing with different sauces and seasonings, you can make each batch uniquely your own.”

So, let your creativity shine and make a barbeque shrimp dish that’s all your own. The world of flavors is vast, and the joy of discovery is incredibly rewarding.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

To enjoy the bold flavors of your BBQ shrimp, try pairing it with the right side dishes and drinks. The shrimp’s rich, spicy taste goes well with crisp, refreshing sides. These help balance the dish’s boldness.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with tangy dressing is a great match for barbeque shrimp recipe. The salad’s lightness and the dressing’s acidity cut through the shrimp’s richness. For something more filling, serve the shrimp over creamy grits or fragrant white rice. These can soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation Tips

When plating your BBQ shrimp, aim for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Place the shrimp on a large platter, making sure they’re spread out and garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor. Serve the sides in matching dishes to make the presentation inviting and appealing.

FAQ

What is the origin of New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp?

New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp comes from the Crescent City. It’s cooked in a rich, buttery sauce. This sauce is flavored with herbs, spices, and Worcestershire sauce.

How is New Orleans BBQ shrimp different from regular grilled shrimp?

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is cooked in a flavorful sauce. This makes it more succulent and seasoned. Grilled shrimp, on the other hand, is cooked over direct heat.

What are the essential ingredients for making the perfect BBQ shrimp?

You’ll need large, fresh shrimp, butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Also, lemon juice and a mix of herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne, and black pepper are key.

What kitchen tools and equipment do I need to make BBQ shrimp?

You’ll need a large skillet or baking dish, tongs, and a garlic press. Measuring cups and spoons are also essential. A citrus juicer and basting brush can be helpful too.

How should I select and prepare the shrimp for BBQ shrimp?

Choose large, shell-on shrimp for the best taste. They can be fresh or frozen, but thaw and devein them first. Removing the shells can also improve the experience.

How do I create the perfect BBQ shrimp marinade?

Mix butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. To absorb the flavors, let the shrimp marinade for 30 to 60 minutes.

What are the steps for cooking BBQ shrimp?

First, prepare the marinade and let the shrimp soak. Then, heat a skillet or baking dish over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and marinade, and cook until they’re opaque and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

How do I know when the BBQ shrimp are perfectly cooked?

When the shrimp become opaque and pink, they are done cooking. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. Keep an eye on them as cooking time varies with shrimp size.

Can I customize the sauce and seasoning for BBQ shrimp?

Yes, you can customize the sauce and seasoning to your liking. Try a spicy Cajun-style, garlic-herb, or lemon-pepper blend to add your personal touch.

What are some great side dishes and serving suggestions for BBQ shrimp?

Serve BBQ shrimp with crusty bread, rice or pasta, coleslaw, and a green salad. For presentation, place the shrimp in a shallow bowl or on a platter. Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges as garnish.