Easy Louisiana BBQ Shrimp (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
This easy Louisiana BBQ shrimp recipe is rich, buttery, and peppery — no actual barbecue required! Ready in 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp shell-on (deveined if you prefer, but shell-on holds flavor best)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly cracked, for that classic peppery kick
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood stock
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — don't let it brown.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and bay leaves.
- Pour in the stock and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Spoon shrimp and plenty of sauce into bowls, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Shell-on shrimp gives the best flavor, but if peeling at the table isn't your thing, peeled shrimp works too — just reduce cook time slightly since they'll cook faster.
- This comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a great "fancy-feeling" weeknight dinner.
- Leftover sauce is incredible spooned over rice or pasta.