Butterflied Bayou Shrimp
Butterflied Bayou Shrimp offers tender, flavorful shrimp enhanced by a rich butter and spice sauce, with hints of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for seafood lovers, it pairs well with rice or crusty bread and makes an impressive dish for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, uncooked ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 garlic glove, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed, dried red peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Butterfly the shrimp without removing the shell.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the shrimp.
- Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp begins to turn pink.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cover and let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Spoon the shrimp and sauce into a large serving bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be substituted, but use it sparingly. Additionally, feel free to swap the shrimp for another protein, such as chicken or tofu, to suit your dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or rice pilaf to soak up the flavorful sauce. Additionally, crusty bread is perfect for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Appetizer Shrimp Dip for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Butterflied Bayou Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterflied Bayou Shrimp contains roughly 473 calories, with 17g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before butterflying. This will ensure even cooking and the best texture. Thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker results.
What can I substitute for the barbecue sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, a mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch. Alternatively, a homemade blend of honey, mustard, and a splash of vinegar can add a similar sweet and tangy flavor that complements the shrimp well.
Is it necessary to cover the shrimp while they stand?
Covering the shrimp allows the flavors to meld and keeps them warm. This resting period is essential for enhancing the taste. If you don’t cover them, the shrimp may cool down too quickly and lose some of their flavor and moisture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).