Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Recipe: Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is one of those glorious dishes that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—but actually comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s buttery, garlicky, a little spicy, and outrageously good with crusty bread. If you’re looking for a shrimp recipe that’s fast, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to turn heads at the dinner table, this is your new weeknight winner.

Whether you’re craving something bold on a chilly night or need a simple showstopper for guests, Louisiana BBQ Shrimp hits that sweet spot. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a recipe where butter is the main character? This dish brings the soul of New Orleans right to your kitchen, no jazz band required. Toss in that smoky paprika and kick of cayenne, and suddenly your Tuesday night feels like Mardi Gras. Add a glass of wine, and you’ve got yourself a mini getaway without leaving the house.

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What is Louisiana BBQ Shrimp?

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp might just be one of the greatest food-related misnomers out there—because spoiler alert: there’s no grill, no barbecue sauce, and no actual BBQing involved. What it is, though, is a wildly flavorful dish straight out of New Orleans, where big flavor is always on the menu. The shrimp are simmered in a buttery, zesty sauce made with lemon juice, garlic, and a generous splash of Worcestershire. Add in some herbs and heat, and you’ve got a skillet full of spicy-saucy perfection.

It’s called “BBQ shrimp” more for the smoky flavor profile than for any traditional barbecue method. And let’s not forget that sauce—it’s so good, it practically demands to be sopped up with bread. While it may sound fancy, this dish is shockingly easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu dinner parties, or just when you want to treat yourself without wrecking your kitchen. It’s Southern comfort food, done fast.

Reasons to Try Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

First of all, let’s talk flavor. Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and has your family asking, “When can we have this again?” within five minutes of sitting down. It’s rich and buttery with layers of garlic, smoky paprika, and a whisper of heat from cayenne pepper. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and indulgent without breaking the bank. But flavor aside, the real magic is in how simple it is.

With just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you’re pulling off a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy. And if you’re cooking for folks who usually push shrimp around their plate? This one will convert them. It’s also endlessly adaptable—toss it over grits, pasta, or just keep it classic with a pile of baguette slices. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a little NOLA flair to your table, no airfare required.

Ingredients Needed to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

• 2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Baguette slices (for serving)

Instructions to Make Louisiana BBQ Shrimp (Step by Step)

Instructions—Here’s your step-by-step guide to making Louisiana BBQ Shrimp that brings the boldness of New Orleans into your kitchen with no stress.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add the full cup of unsalted butter (yes, the whole thing). Let it melt slowly, swirling the pan gently so it doesn’t brown too fast. This forms the rich base of your sauce, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Once the butter is melted and starting to bubble slightly, add in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant—but don’t let it burn! Then pour in the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. The sauce will start smelling amazing at this point. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp directly into the skillet in a single layer if you can. Let them cook in the buttery bath for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until they’re pink and fully cooked. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks with the shrimp.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Once the shrimp are opaque and plump, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herby freshness.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Immediately serve your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp hot with slices of crusty baguette. That sauce? It’s liquid gold. Don’t be shy about dunking that bread—or even licking your fingers.

For shrimp lovers, this one’s right up there with our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—equally satisfying, but a lot saucier and sassier.

What to Serve with Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

This shrimp is bold, buttery, and begging for bread, so first thing’s first: a crusty French baguette is non-negotiable. You’ll want it to soak up every last drop of that garlic-lemon-butter sauce. If you’re building a full dinner, go with something fresh and simple like a crisp Easy and Best Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes or a zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for contrast. Want to go Southern all the way? Pair this with cheesy grits or even creamy mashed potatoes. And if you’re feeling extra festive, a glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer rounds things off beautifully. Oh, and don’t forget the napkins—this one gets messy in the best way.

Key Tips for Making Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

1. Use fresh or thawed shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking so they don’t dilute the sauce.
2. Don’t skimp on the butter: It might seem like a lot, but the butter is the heart and soul of this sauce. Trust the process.
3. Control the heat: Adjust the cayenne to your spice level. If you’ve got little ones at the table or sensitive tastebuds, start with a pinch and taste as you go.
4. Let the shrimp cook just until pink: Overcooking makes them rubbery, so as soon as they’re pink and curled, pull the pan off the heat.
5. Serve immediately: This dish is best fresh, hot, and saucy, straight out of the skillet.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to handle them. Store your Louisiana BBQ Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place everything back in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, but the stovetop keeps the sauce texture better. Avoid high heat—it’ll overcook the shrimp. Want to freshen it up a bit? Add a little squeeze of lemon juice or a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Sadly, this dish doesn’t freeze well (shrimp texture gets weird), so stick to fridge storage and enjoy it while it’s still fabulous.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Technically, yes, but the flavor won’t be the same. The raw shrimp cook in the sauce and release juices that deepen the flavor. If you must use pre-cooked, just warm them briefly in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Just dial back or skip the cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika will still give it a lovely depth.

Can I substitute the butter?
Butter is key to the richness, but you could try half olive oil if needed. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still be tasty.

What kind of shrimp works best?
Go for large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-on or tail-off is up to you, though tail-on adds a little visual flair.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp is the weeknight dinner that feels like a vacation. It’s indulgent without being fussy, bold without being complicated, and oh-so-dippable. Whether you’re throwing together a quick meal for the family or want to impress guests with something different (and fast), this recipe delivers. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or tools—just a skillet, a stick of butter, and about 20 minutes. Try it once, and it’ll earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation. If you’re into easy seafood recipes, definitely check out our Creamy Seafood Salad with Imitation Crab or the Crab Salad Sandwich for more ocean-inspired eats.

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