BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Shrimp is a flavorful and quick dish that combines juicy shrimp with a zesty, buttery sauce loaded with garlic and Cajun spices. Perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering, these shrimp cook in just minutes and deliver bold, mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Step 2: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the butter mixture to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or grill the shrimp after sautéing.
- Use fresh shrimp for best taste, but frozen shrimp can work if properly thawed and patted dry.
- If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Serve over rice, grits, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve with BBQ Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with rice, creamy grits, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
PrintBBQ Shrimp Recipe
This delicious BBQ Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a flavorful blend of melted butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun spices. Cooked quickly in a skillet, the shrimp are perfectly tender and coated in a smoky, zesty sauce with hints of lemon and paprika. Ideal for a quick dinner or entertaining guests, these shrimp can be served with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as McCormick or Slap Ya Mama)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is well combined.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the large deveined shrimp to the skillet and toss in the butter and spice mixture to evenly coat each shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are opaque throughout indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the BBQ shrimp immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, hot sauce, and chopped fresh parsley if desired to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh large shrimp for best taste and texture, but frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and drained.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level to make it milder or hotter.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Do not overcook shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery; cook just until pink and opaque.
- The Cajun seasoning can be substituted with a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne if desired.
Keywords: BBQ Shrimp, Cajun Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Quick Shrimp Recipe, Skillet Shrimp
