BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
BBQ shrimp is a flavorful and spicy dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Tender shrimp are cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of lemon juice, creating a deliciously bold flavor.
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 about 30 seconds to release its flavor, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
- Step 3: Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the butter and spice mixture.
- Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges, a drizzle of hot sauce, and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer, use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful 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 to avoid overcooking the shrimp, or enjoy cold in a salad.
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 fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or adding more cayenne if you like it spicier.
PrintBBQ Shrimp Recipe
This BBQ Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp cooked in a flavorful buttery garlic sauce with Worcestershire, lemon juice, and a blend of Cajun spices. Perfectly seasoned and quickly cooked in a skillet, this dish delivers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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
- Heat and melt butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the garlic to release its flavor into the butter.
- Add seasoning mixture: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly in the butter sauce.
- Add shrimp: Add the deveined large shrimp to the skillet, tossing well so they are thoroughly coated in the flavorful butter and spice mixture.
- Cook shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque all over, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the shrimp right away. Pair with lemon wedges, hot sauce, and fresh parsley garnish if desired for an extra layer of fresh flavor and heat.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery. Cooking just until they turn pink and opaque ensures the best texture.
- If fresh shrimp are unavailable, thawed frozen shrimp can be used but drain well before cooking to avoid wateriness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- This recipe can be served over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Keywords: BBQ Shrimp, Cajun shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, skillet shrimp, spicy shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, seafood dinner
