Dive into the vibrant world of Cajun cuisine with Ralph Brennan's Barbecue Shrimp, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans! With its rich, buttery sauce and succulent shrimp, this recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your guests begging for seconds. In just under an hour, you can whip up a feast that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic and measure out the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to foam and bubble, but do not let it brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, keeping in mind that the Worcestershire sauce is already salty.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side.
- Carefully flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the dish to rest for a minute to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the barbecue shrimp hot, spooning the sauce over the top. This dish pairs well with crusty French bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Enjoy your meal with a side of your choice, and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save on prep time. Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can work in a pinch—just ensure they’re thawed completely.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for a richer sauce. Avoid browning the butter; you want it to foam and bubble, creating a luscious base for your shrimp.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste your sauce before adding the shrimp. The Worcestershire sauce adds saltiness, so adjust your salt and pepper accordingly to achieve the perfect balance.
- Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side—overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your barbecue shrimp with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor!
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 220mg
