BBQ Shrimp NOLA style

BBQ Shrimp

The first time I had NOLA BBQ shrimp to say I was surprised by the plate presented to me, is an understatement.  Where were the char-grilled marks, sweet barbecue sauce and why was it served with bread?!  That is because BBQ shrimp in New Orleans is shrimp that is seasoned NOLA style and cooked in a Worcestershire sauce that is thickened with butter, lots of butter. That’s where the French bread comes in, to soak up that oh, so buttery, flavourful sauce. It's life changingly delicious and very unique .

I have had various versions of this dish because each person makes it differently. The following is my version  with the ingredients I have in my pantry. There are pre-made BBQ shrimp seasoning packets that can be purchased which shortens the preparation process. As always, you can tweak the recipe based on your preferences.

 Ingredients:

Seasoning rub:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Zest 1 lemon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup Shrimp/Vegetable stock

• 1  garlic clove finely minced

• 1 tbs creole seasoning

• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 

• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

•  1 lb  shrimp peeled and deveined

• 1/2 tbs vegetable oil

 Preparation:

1. Mix all seasoning rub ingredients together, reserve 1/2 tbs and season shrimp ensuring they are coated properly.

2. Heat on medium, add vegetable oil, garlic, lemon zest and creole seasoning powder and sauté for 1 minute .

3. Add shrimp and toss in the flavored oil for 5-7 minutes until opaque or shrimp forms a letter C .

4. Remove shrimp from pan and reserve until sauce is finished.

5. Add Worcestershire, reserved seasoning mix and shrimp stock to the cooking pot and lower heat to simmer.

6. Cook sauce for 10 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. Remove pan from heat and add the butter to the sauce. Using a whisk or spoon, mix in the butter into the sauce until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

8. Add shrimp to the sauce and mix well ensuring the shrimp are covered in sauce.

9. Enjoy with French bread.