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If you’re craving a taste of the Big Easy (I know I always am), look no further than this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp!

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp served on a white plate

It’s a delicious dish that’s bursting with flavor, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll feel like a seasoned chef. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is THE appetizer.

The savory sauce is so good, I just want to lick the plate clean! Don’t worry, I’ll use some crusty bread instead, haha!

This dish combines juicy jumbo shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce flavored with Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a blend of spices like Creole seasoning and smoked paprika.

You don’t need a grill to make this “BBQ” shrimp! It’s all done in a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.

That’s especially great in the winter months when I Jeremy really doesn’t want to go out and fire up the grill. Know what I mean?

You know what? This is a great appetizer, but it could also make a great main dish. I would never complain about BBQ shrimp for a whole meal!

Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, this New Orleans BBQ shrimp is sure to impress.

Some of our other favorite SHRIMP RECIPES we have on our site include: Easy Shrimp Boil with Butter Sauce, Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp Recipe, and Fresh Vietnamese Salad Rolls with Shrimp.

a blue spoon holding up New Orleans BBQ Shrimp over skillet in air

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and spices creates a savory sauce that perfectly complements the fresh shrimp.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and cooking in a large skillet, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
Versatile Dish: Serve this New Orleans barbeque shrimp as an appetizer with crusty bread or over rice or pasta as a main course—it’s delicious either way!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Fresh thyme
Onion powder
Creole seasoning
Fresh rosemary
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Colossal shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
Lager beer
Worcestershire sauce
Lemon juice
Lemon zest

ingredients needed to make New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

HOW TO MAKE NEW ORLEANS BBQ SHRIMP:

In a small bowl, stir together the thyme, onion powder, creole seasoning, rosemary, pepper, and paprika, and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
Once melted, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and the spice mixture, toss to combine, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Deglaze the pan with the beer, scraping the bottom of the pan in case there are any browned bits stuck, and cook down for 1 minute.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and stir to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the remaining cold butter in two batches, stirring it in while it melts to form a velvety sauce.
Once all the butter is melted and the shrimp is fully cooked, it is ready to serve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

DOES THIS TASTE LIKE BBQ?

Actually, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp doesn’t taste like traditional barbecue sauce.

The “BBQ” in the name refers to the way the shrimp are cooked in a buttery, spicy sauce that’s so flavorful, you’ll want to dip everything in it!

The Worcestershire-spiked butter sauce is rich and tangy, but not smoky like regular BBQ.

WHAT SIZE SHRIMP SHOULD I USE?

For the best flavor and presentation, it’s great to use jumbo shrimp or even colossal shrimp.

Larger shrimp hold up well in the savory sauce and make for an impressive dish.

However, you can use any size you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

farther away image of finished New Orleans BBQ Shrimp served on a platter with garnishes

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ANY ADDITIONS?

You better believe it! I love this recipe, but don’t hesitate to change things up if that’s what you’re into.

Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat if you love spicy food.
Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness.
Include diced bell pepper when sautéing the garlic for more veggies.
Stir in some shrimp stock or clam juice instead of beer for deeper seafood flavor.
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
Serve over creamy grits for a Southern twist.
Garnish with lemon slices for a bright presentation.
Top with fresh parsley for added color.
Use head-on shrimp for authentic New Orleans style and more flavor.
Serve with a side of rice or pasta to make it a hearty main course.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Here are just a few ideas to get you started. I love having options!

Beer: Substitute with dry white wine, chicken stock, or seafood stock if you prefer.
Creole seasoning: Use Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, and other spices.
Unsalted butter: Salted butter can be used; just adjust the added salt accordingly.
Fresh herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary can replace fresh; use one-third the amount.
Lager beer: Any type of beer works, but dark stout adds a richer flavor.
Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can be used for a different spice profile.

up close image of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator

Place any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Freezer

Allow the shrimp and sauce to cool completely.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Keep the Butter Cold: Adding cold butter in batches helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: Fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Deglaze the Pan Well: Scrape up those browned bits when adding the beer for maximum flavor.
Serve with Crusty Bread: Don’t let that delicious sauce go to waste—bread is perfect for soaking it up.
Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more black pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicier.

a fork holding up New Orleans BBQ Shrimp in air

This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a delicious dish that’s sure to bring a taste of Louisiana to your table.

With its rich, buttery sauce and flavorful spices, it’s perfect for any occasion—from a casual dinner to a festive Mardi Gras celebration. Let the good times roll!

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If you’ve tried this NEW ORLEANS BBQ SHRIMP, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!