BBQ Shrimp Recipe is a savory, buttery, and slightly spicy dish that’s a favorite among seafood lovers. Despite its name, this dish is not traditionally grilled but instead cooked in a rich, buttery, and tangy sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly. Originating from New Orleans, this Creole-style dish is known for its bold flavors and simple preparation.
Unlike other shrimp recipes, BBQ shrimp relies on a combination of butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
The History of BBQ Shrimp Recipe
The roots of BBQ shrimp go back to the mid-20th century, specifically at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans. The dish was inspired by a customer who had a similar meal in Chicago, and after trying to replicate the flavors, the chef developed what is now known as New Orleans BBQ shrimp. Unlike traditional barbecue, this dish is pan-cooked in a buttery, spicy, and tangy sauce, rather than being grilled.
This dish quickly became a staple in Louisiana cuisine and is now enjoyed worldwide, especially among seafood lovers and fans of Southern cooking. Traditionally, it is served with crusty French bread, which helps to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce. Over time, variations have emerged, with some versions incorporating smoked paprika, beer, or even heavy cream to add unique depth to the dish.
If you love Creole cooking, you might also enjoy other Cajun-style seafood dishes found in this guide to Louisiana flavors, where you can explore more of the region’s iconic recipes.
Ingredients for the Perfect BBQ Shrimp Recipe
To make an authentic BBQ shrimp recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (shell-on for the best flavor)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (for a rich, creamy sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth to the dish)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce (essential for that tangy, umami taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (balances the richness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a hint of smokiness)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (enhances the seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (for authentic Louisiana flavor)
- ¼ cup white wine (optional but enhances the sauce)
- French bread or rice (for serving and soaking up the sauce)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- If using shell-on shrimp, rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Leaving the shells on enhances the flavor by allowing the shrimp to absorb more of the rich, buttery sauce during cooking.
- If you prefer peeled shrimp, keep the tails on for better texture and presentation.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Butter
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to foam.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic can add bitterness).
3. Build the Sauce
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and Creole seasoning to develop a bold, zesty flavor.
- If using, pour in the white wine and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
4. Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl.
- Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery quickly. They will continue cooking slightly even after being removed from heat.
5. Serve Immediately
- Remove from heat and serve the BBQ shrimp immediately with crusty French bread, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of extra Creole seasoning for an added kick.
- If you want to elevate the dish further, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the shrimp just before serving.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Pairing your BBQ shrimp recipe with the right side dishes enhances the bold, smoky flavors and makes for a complete meal. Whether you’re serving it for a casual cookout, a family dinner, or a special occasion, here are the best side dishes that perfectly complement BBQ shrimp:
1. Crusty French Bread – The Perfect Sauce Soaker
- BBQ shrimp is known for its rich, buttery sauce, and French bread is the best way to enjoy every drop.
- A warm, toasted baguette or sourdough works great for dipping into the garlic-butter sauce.
- Want a twist? Try garlic butter toast for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Cajun Rice – Bold and Flavorful
- Cajun rice pairs beautifully with Creole BBQ shrimp, absorbing the sauce and adding a spiced, hearty base.
- Made with onions, bell peppers, celery, and Cajun seasoning, this dish provides a deep, smoky flavor.
- For a healthier option, swap it for brown rice or quinoa.
3. Corn on the Cob – BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Grilled or boiled corn on the cob balances out the bold spices in BBQ shrimp with its natural sweetness.
- Try brushing corn with garlic butter or sprinkling Cajun seasoning before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Want a twist? Mexican-style elote (street corn) with cotija cheese and lime is another fantastic pairing.
4. Coleslaw – Crunchy and Refreshing
- A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the heat of BBQ shrimp.
- Classic Southern slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing works best.
- For a lighter version, use apple cider vinegar and honey instead of mayonnaise.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- If you’re looking for comfort food, mashed potatoes make an excellent base for BBQ shrimp.
- The buttery texture complements the spicy, garlicky sauce beautifully.
- Add roasted garlic, chives, or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Light and Flavorful
- BBQ shrimp pairs well with grilled bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms.
- Drizzle them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple yet flavorful side..
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Shrimp Recipe
To make the perfect BBQ shrimp, follow these pro tips for juicier, more flavorful results:
1. Use Shell-On Shrimp for Maximum Flavor
- Cooking shrimp with the shells on locks in natural juices, preventing them from drying out.
- If you prefer peeled shrimp, leave the tails on to retain some texture and enhance presentation.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
- Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- Grill or sauté shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove them from heat immediately, as they continue cooking even after removal.
3. Balance the Sauce for the Best Flavor
- The secret to great BBQ shrimp is balancing spices, acidity, and richness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to taste.
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
4. Serve with Bread or Rice to Soak Up the Sauce
- The garlic butter BBQ sauce is the star of this dish!
- French bread, rice, or mashed potatoes make sure none of it goes to waste.
5. Marinade for More Intense Flavor
- For extra depth, marinate shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
For more seafood inspiration, check out our Easy Chicken and Shrimp Recipes and discover new ways to enjoy thes delicious Dishs.
Recipe Variations to Try
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some delicious variations of this BBQ shrimp recipe:
1. Spicy BBQ Shrimp Recipe – Add a Fiery Kick
- Increase the cayenne pepper and hot sauce for extra heat.
- Try adding jalapeños or chili flakes for a bold, spicy punch.
2. Grilled BBQ Shrimp Recipe – A Smoky Twist
- Instead of cooking in a pan, grill the shrimp on skewers over medium-high heat.
- Brush with garlic butter sauce while grilling for a smoky and charred flavor.
3. Keto BBQ Shrimp – Low-Carb & Delicious
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Serve with zucchini noodles or grilled asparagus for a healthy twist.
4. Creamy BBQ Shrimp – Extra Rich & Flavorful
- Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a silky, decadent sauce.
- For an even richer flavor, melt in Parmesan cheese and a splash of white wine.
5. Cajun BBQ Shrimp Recipe – Authentic Louisiana Flavor
- Use extra Creole seasoning and add a dash of beer or chicken broth for a true New Orleans-style dish.
Looking for more shrimp recipes? Try this best shrimp dishes collection for more inspiration.
Final Takeaways
- BBQ shrimp is bold, buttery, and packed with Creole flavors.
- Pair it with the perfect sides like French bread, Cajun rice, or grilled vegetables.
- Use shell-on shrimp, cook them quickly, and balance the sauce for the best results.
- Experiment with recipe variations like grilled, keto, spicy, or creamy BBQ shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do shrimp take on the barbecue?
Shrimp cook very quickly on the barbecue, usually in 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat (375-400°F). You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque, with slight char marks.
BBQ shrimp recipe tip:
- Don’t overcook shrimp—leaving them on the grill too long can make them rubbery.
- Use shell-on shrimp to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Baste them with butter sauce while grilling for maximum flavor.
2. What goes with shrimp on the barbecue?
Pair your BBQ shrimp recipe with these delicious sides:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Enhances the smoky BBQ flavor.
- Garlic Butter Rice – Absorbs the shrimp’s juicy sauce.
- Coleslaw with a Tangy Dressing – Adds crunch and freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables (Asparagus, Zucchini, Peppers) – Complements the seafood’s natural sweetness.
- Crusty French Bread – Ideal for dipping into the buttery BBQ shrimp sauce.
3. Is it best to cook shrimp in butter or oil?
Both butter and oil work well, but butter is best for flavor, while oil prevents burning at high heat.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the shrimp’s flavor, making it ideal for New Orleans BBQ shrimp.
- Oil (Olive or Avocado Oil): Has a higher smoke point, preventing burning when grilling at high temperatures.
Best method?
- Use a mix of butter and oil—butter for flavor, and oil to prevent scorching.
- Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and then brush the shrimp before and after grilling for the ultimate BBQ shrimp experience.
4. How to keep shrimp moist when grilling?
To keep shrimp juicy and moist on the barbecue, follow these pro tips:
- Marinate shrimp for at least 20 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices before grilling.
- Use shell-on shrimp—it helps lock in moisture while cooking.
- Grill over medium-high heat (375-400°F) for no more than 2-3 minutes per side.
- Baste with butter sauce while grilling to prevent them from drying out.
- Remove shrimp from the grill immediately when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking leads to toughness.
Conclusion
This BBQ shrimp recipe brings together bold, buttery Creole flavors in a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a special gathering, its rich, garlicky sauce and juicy shrimp never fail to impress.
With its spicy, tangy, and smoky notes, this dish pairs beautifully with crusty French bread, fluffy rice, or fresh grilled vegetables, making it an incredibly versatile meal that can be tailored to your preference. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free yet gourmet meal.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Try this New Orleans classic and experience the flavors that have made it a Southern seafood staple. Let us know in the comments how your BBQ shrimp turned out, and feel free to share your own variations and serving ideas.
For more seafood inspiration, check out our Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe and discover new ways to enjoy this delicious shellfish.