New Orleans-Inspired BBQ Shrimp
Plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a rich, savory, slightly spicy sauce with a hint of New Orleans magic. Ridiculously easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a show-stopping appetizer.
Equipment
- Small bowl for mixing spice blend
- Large bowl for seasoning shrimp
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon paprika For that beautiful color and a subtle smoky note.
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder This is key for that mild, sweet heat and deep flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds a warm, earthy depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Just a touch to balance out the savory and spicy notes.
- 0.75 teaspoon salt To make all those amazing flavors pop!
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 pounds extra large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter The luxurious base of our incredible sauce.
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce This is where some of that umami magic comes in.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons water To help create that perfect sauce consistency.
- 3 scallions dark green parts, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, ancho chile powder, cumin, sugar, and salt.
- Pop your seasoned shrimp into a large bowl and sprinkle this amazing spice mixture over them. Give them a good toss with your hands until every single shrimp is beautifully coated.
- Grab a large skillet and melt that glorious unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it get nice and bubbly.
- Toss in your minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute, until you can really smell that fragrant garlic. Be careful not to burn it!
- Now, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and water. Give it a good stir and let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Add your beautifully seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcook them!
- Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in those thinly sliced scallions.
- Serve these beauties immediately! They are absolutely divine with some crusty bread for dipping into that incredible sauce.
Notes
You can mix the spice blend up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. You can also peel and devein your shrimp ahead of time. Fresh minced garlic truly brings the best flavor to this sauce. Don't forget the crusty bread for dipping!