History and Origin of BBQ Shrimp
The dish known as BBQ Shrimp has a rich history and origin that can be traced back to the city of New Orleans. Despite its name, BBQ Shrimp is not actually barbecued, but instead cooked in a flavorful, buttery sauce that has a slight kick to it. The dish was first created in the 1950s at Pascal’s Manale, a famous restaurant in New Orleans, where it quickly became a staple of the city’s cuisine. The combination of fresh shrimp, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning create a dish that is bursting with flavor and has become a beloved favorite of both locals and tourists alike.
Over time, the recipe for BBQ Shrimp has evolved and been adapted by many home cooks and chefs, each adding their own twist to the classic dish. Some variations include adding beer, lemon juice, or hot sauce to the sauce, while others may use different types of shrimp or adjust the level of spice to their preference. Regardless of these variations, the essence of BBQ Shrimp remains the same: succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, savory sauce that is perfect for sopping up with crusty French bread.
Today, BBQ Shrimp is enjoyed not only in New Orleans but all over the world, with many people incorporating it into their own family recipes and traditions. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course, BBQ Shrimp is a dish that is sure to impress with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Making BBQ Shrimp
Now that we know the history and origin of BBQ Shrimp, let’s get into the step-by-step recipe for making this delicious dish. The key to a great BBQ Shrimp is, of course, the sauce. The sauce is what gives the shrimp its distinct flavor and makes it stand out from other shrimp dishes.
To start, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs of large, raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup of hot sauce (adjust to your preference)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of Creole seasoning
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 cup of beer (optional)
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, grab a large skillet and combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and Creole seasoning. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it is well blended and fragrant.
Next, add your shrimp to the skillet, making sure that each shrimp is well coated in the sauce. If you want to add beer to your sauce, now is the time to do so. Once the shrimp are coated, spread them out evenly in the skillet and place it in the oven.
Bake the shrimp for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be sure not to overcook them – you want your shrimp to be tender and juicy.
Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and pour any remaining sauce over them. Squeeze lemon juice over the top for an extra zing, and serve them hot. These BBQ Shrimp are best enjoyed with crusty French bread that you can use to sop up all of that delicious sauce.
There you have it, a simple yet flavorful recipe for BBQ Shrimp. The combination of buttery, spicy, and tangy flavors makes this dish truly unique and utterly irresistible. Serve it as an appetizer or a main course – either way, your taste buds will thank you!