Description
This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp appetizer showcases plump colossal shrimp cooked in a luscious, buttery Creole-spiced sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick and flavorful starter, this skillet-cooked dish balances bold spices with smooth richness, embodying authentic Southern flavors in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh finely chopped rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds colossal shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
- 1/4 cup lager beer
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of half a lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, stir together the thyme, onion powder, creole seasoning, rosemary, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of the cold unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp with Spice Mix: Add the colossal shrimp to the skillet along with the prepared spice mix. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp start to turn pink.
- Deglaze with Beer: Pour in the lager beer to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. Cook for 1 minute to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the shrimp finish cooking.
- Finish with Butter Sauce: Add the remaining cold butter in two batches, stirring continuously as the butter melts. This will create a velvety, rich sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. Once all the butter is incorporated and the shrimp are fully cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- The beer adds depth and slight bitterness; a lager or pale ale works best.
- Adjust creole seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Serve this appetizer with crusty French bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough; they cook quickly in this method.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun, Creole
