Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with a dish that's far more than just another shrimp recipe. This mouthwatering Creole classic is a sensory adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! Forget everything you know about traditional barbecue - this recipe is a buttery, spicy masterpiece that breaks all the rules and delivers an unforgettable culinary experience that's messy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, shells on
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- French bread for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water, leaving the shells intact. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it starts to foam slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic burn. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce and cook through.
- The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the shrimp and sauce to a large serving platter.
- Serve immediately with French bread on the side, allowing guests to soak up the rich, buttery sauce with the bread.
- Provide plenty of napkins, as this dish is traditionally eaten with hands and can be quite messy but deliciously enjoyable.
Tips
- Keep the shells on! This might seem counterintuitive, but the shells help lock in flavor and keep the shrimp incredibly juicy during cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results. Large shrimp work best for this recipe, providing that perfect bite and texture.
- Watch your heat carefully when sautéing garlic - burned garlic can quickly turn bitter and ruin the sauce's delicate flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! The key is to cook them just until they turn pink and curl slightly, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Have plenty of crusty French bread on hand to soak up the incredible sauce - it's practically mandatory for the full New Orleans experience.
- For an extra flavor kick, consider using a high-quality, locally-made hot sauce to enhance the dish's authentic Creole character.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the shrimp at their absolute peak of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 250mg
