Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp is a dish that embodies the spirit of Southern cooking with its rich, buttery sauce and a medley of spices. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Louisiana. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking to impress friends, this savory recipe promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
This recipe is packed with flavor, making it a favorite for many. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:
- Easy to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Perfectly balances spice and richness, making it satisfying.
- Shell-on shrimp enhances the depth of flavor.
- Great for special occasions or a casual weeknight dinner.
- Pairs beautifully with crusty French bread for dipping.
- Offers a taste of authentic Southern cuisine.
- Versatile enough to be served with various sides, including rice or salads.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings.
This dish is a true representation of Cajun Barbecued Shrimp and a staple in New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp cuisine.
Ingredients for Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
Gather these items:
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 pieces bay leaves, crushed
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fish or chicken stock
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb shell-on shrimp
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- hot crusty French bread
How to Make Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat until it starts to foam.
- Step 2: Sauté 2 minced cloves of garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Stir in the spice mixture: ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon cayenne, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and 2 crushed bay leaves. Let it mingle for about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add ½ cup fish or chicken stock, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Incorporate 1 pound of shell-on shrimp into the pan, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley right before serving.
- Step 7: Serve with hot, crusty French bread for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer a milder dish.
- This recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Try adding a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Ensure the butter is properly melted to avoid burning the garlic.

Best Ways to Serve Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
Serving this dish can be just as exciting as making it! Here are some ideas:
- Pair with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the savory sauce.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- Complement with Barbecued Shrimp with Garlic Butter for a richer flavor experience.
How to Store and Reheat Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water to keep the shrimp moist. This is a great meal prep option that can be ready in minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp
What’s the secret to perfect Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp?
The secret lies in the balance of spices and the quality of the shrimp. Fresh, shell-on shrimp enhance the flavor, while the blend of Cajun seasonings elevates the dish to another level.
Can I make Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the shrimp just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the shrimp fresh and tender.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp?
To avoid overcooking the shrimp, keep an eye on them as they cook. They should only take 3-5 minutes to become perfectly pink and opaque. Always taste your sauce for seasoning before serving!
Variations of Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp You Can Try
If you wish to explore further, consider these variations:
- Make it a Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Recipe by adding more cayenne.
- Try a Southern Style Barbecued Shrimp by incorporating local herbs.
- Substitute shrimp with fish for a twist on the traditional New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp.
These variations highlight the versatility of this dish while keeping the essence of Louisiana cuisine.

Savory Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp Recipe You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savory Louisiana Barbecued Shrimp You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 pieces bay leaves, crushed
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fish or chicken stock
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb shell-on shrimp
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- hot crusty French bread
Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat until it starts to foam.
- Sauté 2 minced cloves of garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the spice mixture: ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon cayenne, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and 2 crushed bay leaves. Let it mingle for about 2 minutes.
- Add ½ cup fish or chicken stock, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate 1 pound of shell-on shrimp into the pan, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley right before serving.
- Serve with hot, crusty French bread for dipping.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg