New Orleans Grilled Shrimp

New Orleans Grilled Shrimp

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a flavorful and spicy dish, perfect for a barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. The marinade is key to infusing the shrimp with the bold flavor characteristic of New Orleans cuisine. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   • Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 1 hour to prevent the acid from the lemon juice from “cooking” the shrimp.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
   • Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp through the tail and the thick part of the body to keep them secure.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
   • Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
   • Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes:

• You can serve these grilled shrimps as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
• For extra flavor, you can reserve a small amount of the marinade (before adding the shrimp) and brush it on the shrimp during the last minute of grilling.

Enjoy your New Orleans grilled shrimp!

For more cooking inspiration, explore Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic and Shrimp Spaghetti. Browse all our recipes for more ideas.