Name: 15 Minute New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. shrimp ((peeled or unpeeled)); 1.5 sticks unsalted butter; 5 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1.5 tsp. Cajun seasoning; 4 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1 bay leaf; 1/8 cup white wine; 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

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Fresh shrimp simmered in a sauce of butter, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice, this New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe is super easy to make and on the table in 15 minutes!

This recipe was originally published in February 2018. It has been updated with new content and photos.

I had New Orleans BBQ shrimp for the first time in, uh, New Orleans. And it was amazing. It's spicy, buttery, and just absolutely incredible. And this version of BBQ shrimp is not actually, uh, barbecued. No grill is involved!

Plus, this BBQ shrimp recipe is sooooo easy to make. It comes together in about 15 minutes and works as an appetizer or a main dish.

Serve it with some crusty bread, and you've got magic on your hands. Is it healthy? No. But is it delicious? SO MUCH YES! Just like this sous vide shrimp or Instant Pot Shrimp!

For your next easy weeknight family meal, or to impress your dinner party guests, this is the BBQ shrimp recipe you want to be serving (and eating).

bowl of orange soup with a spoon topped with crawfish and croutons

For some crusty bread dipping goodness, you may also want to dry this Creamy Crawfish Bisque - it's easy and incredible! Plus, it's easy to substitute shrimp for the crawfish if you need to!

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking shrimp over medium heat helps to keep them moist and tender.
The Worcestershire sauce and Cajun seasoning add just the right amount of savory spice to the dish.
The lemon juice adds a touch of freshness and acidity to the shrimp.
It can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
The Tabasco sauce can be adjusted to individual spice preference.

Ingredients

The ingredients are easy to find in your local store, but I've also included link to buy them in the recipe card.

Traditional New Orleans BBQ Shrimp uses shrimp with the heads and peels on. I have had it this way before, and while much messier, I highly recommend it.

But to keep this easier for a weeknight dinner, I used headless peeled shrimp. The BBQ shrimp will have more flavor if you leave the peels on, and even more flavor if you leave the heads on.

I also recommend using this homemade Cajun seasoning for the best flavor in this dish. It's super easy to make!

head on shrimp in a bowl with lemon slices

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until soft.

Step 2: Add the bay leaf, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun seasoning.

melted butter and seasonings in a skillet

Step 3: Cook for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Add the shrimp and cook until no longer opaque, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the lemon juice and serve.

cooked shrimp in bowls with lemons and parsley

Expert Tips

Use shrimp with the heads and peels on for better flavor;
Leaving the peels on the shrimp will result in a more tender, juicy shrimp;
Cook the shrimp over medium heat to keep them from getting tough and rubbery.
Serve this dish with plenty of crusty bread to sop up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp are best for New Orleans BBQ Shrimp? Like I said previously, shrimp with the peels and heads on are going to result in a more flavorful dish. However, any large or jumbo peeled shrimp will work also. I would use 16/21 sized shrimp for the best results.
How do you know when shrimp is done cooking? When the shrimp is pink and longer longer opaque, it is done cooking. Be very careful not to overcook the shrimp however. Note any time you remove them from the heat, they will continue cooking slightly, especially if they are in a sauce.
How to store New Orleans BBQ Shrimp? It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Note that shrimp will be more rubbery when eaten reheated.
Can you freeze Caun BBQ shrimp? You can store leftovers in a freezer safe container for up to one month (for best results). Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Again, the shrimp may be rubbery when reheated.

What to Serve with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

I always recommend serving this Cajun BBQ Shrimp with some crusty French bread. You can buy it or check out this recipe for Crusty French Baguette from Baking a Moment.
Another amazing way to serve these shrimp is over Homemade Grits. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and grits is an amazing combination!!
Serve the BBQ shrimp over regular white rice or with this Dirty Rice from Spicy Southern Kitchen.
And of course, it's always refreshing to have a salad with rich, spicy food. Try this Corn and Kale Salad from Saving Dessert.

2 bowls of shrimp in sauce with lemon slices

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Did you make this Cajun BBQ Shrimp recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!

15 Minute New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe