New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp
A flavorful New Orleans-style shrimp dish featuring a rich, spicy butter sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and ideal for sharing with crusty bread and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter ⓘ
- 1 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 2 pounds shrimp in shell ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven.
- Add vegetable oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, crushed bay leaves, basil, cayenne, oregano, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to the melted butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and let stand, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add the shrimp and cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Bake the shrimp and sauce for 10 minutes.
- Ladle the shrimp and sauce into bowls and serve with plenty of crusty French bread for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. If fresh shrimp aren't available, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Serve with crusty French bread, as it complements the dish perfectly and is great for dipping, just like in other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a light salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Shrimp Kabobs for a delightful seafood feast. Don't forget to have extra French bread on hand for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the shrimp tough. Serve again with fresh bread for an enjoyable meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp contains roughly 384 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 peeled shrimp for this recipe?
While using shrimp with the shell adds flavor to the dish, you can use peeled shrimp if you prefer. Just be aware that the cooking time may be slightly reduced, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?
You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that olive oil has a lower smoke point than vegetable oil, so watch the heat to prevent burning.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper used. You can also omit the black pepper or use a milder seasoning blend. Adjusting the spices will help cater to those who prefer a milder flavor.
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).