If you’ve been searching for a gorgeous, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in 20 minutes flat, BBQ Shrimp will blow you away! This recipe is pure magic: think plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a buttery, garlicky, lemon-kissed sauce with plenty of Cajun goodness. The smell as it bakes will have everyone hovering around your oven, ready to swoop in with hunks of crusty bread. Whether you’ve never made New Orleans-inspired BBQ Shrimp before or it’s an old favorite, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something truly special about simple ingredients coming together for maximum flavor. Each element of this BBQ Shrimp recipe serves a purpose — from bold spices and aromatics to rich butter and fresh citrus — creating a sauce that’s destined to be mopped up to the very last drop.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined, with tails on for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the base of that dreamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Balances the butter, lending depth and keeping the shrimp moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy umami punch for true BBQ Shrimp flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: For brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- Garlic: Four big cloves, minced, for aroma and savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color.
- Cayenne pepper: For heat — adjust this to make your shrimp as spicy as you like.
- Black pepper: A classic seasoning that pairs perfectly with Cajun flavors.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and balances the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges: Essential at the table for squeezing over each serving.
How to Make BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This fragrant mixture is the entire backbone of BBQ Shrimp — the butter and oil create that lush, silky sauce, while the spices and citrus bring the excitement.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add the cleaned shrimp to your bowl and toss them until every piece glistens with the savory marinade. Don’t rush this part! The more evenly the shrimp are coated, the bolder the flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange for Baking
Grab a large oven-safe baking dish or a roomy cast-iron skillet. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly. Pour any extra marinade right over the top — that sauce is liquid gold!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out: the shrimp should be pink, opaque, and just curled into perfect little “C” shapes. Overcooking is the enemy here; BBQ Shrimp is best when just done and super juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Straight out of the oven, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. The herbs will wake up all the deep, buttery flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and lots of crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that spicy-sweet sauce.
How to Serve BBQ Shrimp
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a big shower of fresh parsley to keep things bright, plus extra lemon wedges so everyone can jazz up their own BBQ Shrimp. For a little extra pizzazz, try a dusting of smoked paprika when serving — it’s a small touch that looks stunning on the plate.
Side Dishes
Crusty French bread is a must with BBQ Shrimp! It’s the edible spoon for that saucy goodness. If you’d like a broader spread, think creamy grits, a crisp green salad, or even roasted potatoes. Anything that’ll soak up sauce is fair game!
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your guests by serving BBQ Shrimp family-style in a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven, or arrange single portions in small ramekins with a wedge of lemon. For appetizer hour, spear each shrimp with a toothpick and spoon a little sauce alongside for dipping — it disappears fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer BBQ Shrimp and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce stays rich and flavorful, and the shrimp will still be tender when you reheat them gently.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, BBQ Shrimp can be frozen in a pinch. Cool everything completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating — just be aware the texture may change a bit, but the flavor still shines!
Reheating
To warm up BBQ Shrimp, do it gently: either in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Splash in a spoonful of water or extra butter if the sauce thickens up too much. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender, not rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for BBQ Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. Excess moisture can water down that delicious sauce, so a quick pat with paper towels makes a difference.
Is BBQ Shrimp really made with barbecue sauce?
Surprisingly, no! New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp is all about a buttery, spicy, and tangy sauce — no traditional barbecue sauce here. The name refers more to the bold seasoning than any sticky BBQ glaze.
How spicy is this recipe?
You’re in control of the heat! With a teaspoon of cayenne, it has a lively kick, but you can easily dial it down (or up!). For milder BBQ Shrimp, start with half the cayenne and taste as you go.
What’s the best bread for sopping up the sauce?
Crusty French bread is a classic and my personal go-to — but any hearty, artisan loaf works beautifully. Ciabatta or sourdough are also fantastic for catching every drop of that sumptuous sauce.
Can I make BBQ Shrimp on the stovetop instead of baking?
Definitely! Heat the sauce in a skillet, add your shrimp, and cook over medium heat until just pink and opaque. It’s fast and the results are just as delicious as the baked version.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Shrimp recipe is unfussy, irresistible, and bursting with zesty Louisiana spirit. It’s one of those dishes that makes every occasion feel special (even if it’s just Tuesday night!). I hope you’ll give it a try — and don’t forget the bread for that knockout sauce. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Shrimp recipe inspired by New Orleans-style flavors. Juicy shrimp baked in a flavorful marinade and served with fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until well coated.
- Bake the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish, pour any remaining marinade over them, and bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy with crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish is inspired by New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp.
- For extra richness, serve with warm French bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
