Saucy Barbecue Shrimp
Juicy shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy barbecue sauce with garlic, herbs, and lemon, perfect for casual gatherings and seafood lovers craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. medium or large uncooked, unpeeled shrimp, slit down the back ⓘ
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- dash hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- lemon slices for garnish (optional) ⓘ
- French sourdough bread
Instructions
- Wash shrimp well and slit shell down back with a paring knife. Do not remove shell.
- Combine all ingredients except bread in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, stirring 2 or 3 times.
- Bake shrimp in the saucepan, uncovered at 300°F, turning twice, until they just turn pink, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Serve in generous soup bowls with chunks of French bread to soak up the sauce.
- Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate in the sauce for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight if possible. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce. You can substitute the parsley with cilantro for a different flavor profile or use store-bought garlic butter for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Saucy Barbecue Shrimp in generous soup bowls, pairing it with chunks of crusty French sourdough bread. This dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Quick Grilled Scallops or a refreshing seafood platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, being careful not to overcook, which can make the shrimp rubbery. Serve with fresh bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Barbecue Shrimp contains roughly 778 calories, with 20g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 cooked shrimp for this recipe?
While it's possible to use cooked shrimp, it's best to use raw shrimp for optimal flavor and texture. Cooking raw shrimp in the sauce allows them to absorb the rich flavors. If using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the baking time to just warm them through.
What can I serve with the shrimp?
This dish is perfect with French sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. Consider pairing it with a chilled white wine for a delightful experience.
How do I make it less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, you can omit the cayenne pepper and hot pepper sauce entirely. Alternatively, replace them with a mild seasoning blend or just a pinch of black pepper to maintain flavor without the heat. Adjusting the amount of Worcestershire sauce can also help balance the spice.
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).