Barbecue Shrimp

 

Barbecue shrimp is a dish that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has become a staple of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Despite its name, barbecue shrimp is not actually cooked on a grill or barbecue. Instead, it is typically prepared in a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop.

 

The dish is known for its rich and flavorful sauce, which is a combination of butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and various spices. The sauce is tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with savory flavors. The shrimp are cooked in this sauce, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors and become tender and juicy.

 

Barbecue shrimp is often served with crusty French bread, which is perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce. The bread helps soak up the sauce and adds a satisfying element to the dish. Some people also serve barbecue shrimp over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad.

 

While the traditional recipe calls for large shrimp, you can also use smaller shrimp if you prefer. The cooking time may be slightly shorter for smaller shrimp, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

 

One of the great things about barbecue shrimp is that it’s a versatile dish. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking. Some variations may include ingredients like creole seasoning, chopped green onions, or even a splash of beer or white wine.

 

Overall, barbecue shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of seafood, garlic, and bold spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings or as a special treat when you want to indulge in some delicious shrimp.

Here’s a simple recipe for barbecue shrimp:

 

Ingredients:

 

– 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

– 1/4 cup lemon juice

– 1/4 cup beer (optional)

– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your taste)

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

 

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, beer (if using), hot sauce, paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
6. Cook the shrimp for about 5-6 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through, flipping them once halfway through cooking.
7. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
8. Serve the barbecue shrimp hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It is often served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

 

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp, so adjust accordingly. Also, feel free to adjust the seasonings and hot sauce according to your taste preferences.

 

Enjoy your barbecue shrimp!