New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.

Butter: Unsalted, it forms the base of the rich, creamy sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, tangy flavor that complements the shrimp.

Garlic: Minced, it infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic quality.

Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.

Cayenne pepper: Brings a spicy kick that is characteristic of New Orleans cuisine.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.

Beer: Helps to create a rich, flavorful sauce with a slight bitterness.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a bright, zesty finish to the dish.

When melting the butter in the skillet, make sure to do it over medium heat to prevent it from burning. Once the butter is melted, add the worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and thyme and stir to combine. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together before adding the shrimp. When cooking the shrimp, make sure they turn pink and are opaque, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Adding the beer and lemon juice at the end helps to deglaze the pan and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative for seafood dishes.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar: This combination mimics the umami and tangy flavors of Worcestershire sauce.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it may be less pungent.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky depth of flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a similar level of heat and can be adjusted to taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• beer - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a savory base without the alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding brightness to the dish.

• Allow the shrimp and sauce to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.

• Transfer the shrimp and sauce into an airtight container. Glass containers are ideal as they do not retain odors and are easy to clean.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The flavors will meld together, making the dish even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp has been stored.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beer or lemon juice to refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much.

• Serve hot with fresh crusty bread to soak up the rejuvenated sauce, ensuring you enjoy the dish as if it were freshly made.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the butter melts or the oil heats up, add the leftover shrimp and sauce.
  4. Stir occasionally and heat until the shrimp are warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp and sauce in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover shrimp and sauce in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the shrimp and sauce, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  5. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the leftover shrimp and sauce in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the bag from the water bath, open it, and pour the shrimp and sauce into a serving dish.
  5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

• Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp and sauce evenly over medium heat.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the butter, worcestershire sauce, and beer.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for precise measurement of garlic, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and thyme.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together without scratching the skillet.

• Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and cutting the lemon for juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and cutting the lemon.

• Citrus juicer: Helps in extracting the lemon juice efficiently.

• Serving dish: Used to present the cooked shrimp and sauce attractively.

• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the shrimp in the skillet.

• Crusty bread: Served alongside to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Prep ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare all ingredients like shrimp, butter, and spices before you start cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh garlic.

Melt butter quickly: Cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process.

Preheat the skillet: Start with a preheated skillet to reduce cooking time.

Use a large skillet: A larger skillet allows you to cook all the shrimp at once, ensuring even cooking.

Serve with pre-sliced bread: Have crusty bread pre-sliced and ready to serve.