Dive into the rich and flavorful culinary scene of New Orleans with this comprehensive guide. Learn to prepare the iconic BBQ shrimp dish inspired by the authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe from Pascal’s Manale Restaurant, blending Cajun and Creole flavors.

This dish is known for its rich, buttery sauce and tender, juicy shrimp. It’s a cherished classic in the heart of the Big Easy.

Key Takeaways

Explore the rich history and evolution of New Orleans BBQ shrimp
Understand the key ingredients and techniques that define the authentic recipe
Learn how to create the signature New Orleans-style sauce
Uncover the key kitchen tools and equipment required for outstanding results
Uncover tips and tricks for achieving restaurant-quality BBQ shrimp at home

Understanding the Rich History of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a culinary treasure, dating back to the 1950s at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant. This dish quickly became a favorite among locals and later gained national fame. For a more detailed history, explore the complete culinary guide to New Orleans BBQ shrimp.

Origins at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant

In the mid-20th century, the Manale family at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant created a new shrimp dish. They mixed bold Cajun and Creole flavors. The dish featured jumbo shrimp in a buttery sauce with Worcestershire, lemon, and spices.

Evolution of the Classic Recipe

Over time, the new orleans bbq shrimp recipe has changed. Both chefs and home cooks have incorporated their unique variations. Some add Creole mustard, Tabasco, or cream to the sauce. Cooking methods have also varied, with some using a skillet instead of baking.

Why It’s Different from Traditional BBQ

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is unlike traditional BBQ. It doesn’t involve grilling or smoking. Instead, shrimp are simmered in a flavorful sauce. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and full of flavor.

Traditional BBQ	New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Grilled or smoked meats	Simmered shrimp in a rich, buttery sauce
Smoky, charred flavors	Bold Cajun-Creole seasonings
Dry, caramelized texture	Succulent, juicy shrimp

Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Shrimp

Making authentic New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp needs a mix of key ingredients. The spotlight is on the fresh, succulent Gulf shrimp, the star of the show. The dish also needs Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, and Creole seasonings for its unique taste.

The Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory flavor. The butter makes the dish creamy and smooth. Garlic, a key in Cajun and Creole cooking, adds a strong aroma. Creole seasoning, with spices like paprika and cayenne, gives the dish its bold flavor.

Ingredient	Role in the Dish
Gulf Shrimp	The star ingredient, providing the main source of protein and texture
Worcestershire Sauce	Adds a savory, umami-rich base to the sauce
Butter	Contributes a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel to the dish
Garlic	Imparts aromatic essence, a hallmark of Cajun and Creole cuisine
Creole Seasoning	Provides the signature heat and depth of flavor to the BBQ shrimp

These ingredients blend together to make the real taste and feel of New Orleans BBQ shrimp. Knowing what each does helps make your own version just as good as the original.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the famous New Orleans-style barbeque shrimp, you need the right kitchen tools. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, the right cookware and utensils are key. They help you make restaurant-quality bbq shrimp at home.

Recommended Cookware

Choose a heavy-duty, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan for the best results. Cast-iron or stainless steel skillets are great because they heat evenly. A deep, wide pan is also good for cooking the shrimp in a single layer.

Important Utensils

Sharp chef’s knife for prepping the shrimp
Tongs or a slotted spoon for gently handling the cooked shrimp
Measuring cups and spoons to precisely portion ingredients.
Wooden or silicone spatula for stirring and scraping the pan
Basting brush for evenly coating the shrimp with the signature sauce

Serving Equipment

After cooking the shrimp perfectly, you’ll want to serve them beautifully.Serve in a wide, shallow bowl or on a platter with the sauce generously spooned over. Serve with crusty bread or warm French bread for dipping.

Cookware	Utensils	Serving
– Heavy-duty, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan- Cast-iron or stainless steel skillets	– Sharp chef’s knife- Tongs or slotted spoon- Measuring cups and spoons- Wooden or silicone spatula- Basting brush	– Wide, shallow bowl or platter- Crusty bread or French bread

With the right tools and equipment, you can make delicious New Orleans-style barbeque shrimp at home.

Selecting and Preparing the Shrimp

When making the perfect new orleans bbq shrimp recipe, picking and preparing the shrimp is key. The size and quality of the shrimp greatly affect the dish’s flavors and textures. This is crucial for a true New Orleans taste.

For the best barbeque shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. They should be firm and look vibrant. Look for 16-20 count per pound shrimp. These sizes hold up well to the sauce and cooking.

Make sure to rinse and devein the shrimp. Remove the digestive tract along the back. This step is important for the shrimp’s taste and texture.

Select large, fresh shrimp (16-20 count per pound)
Rinse the shrimp under cold running water
Use a sharp paring knife to carefully devein the shrimp, removing the digestive tract
Dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels to get them ready for cooking.

Shrimp Size	Recommended Use
16-20 count per pound	Ideal for new orleans bbq shrimp recipe and barbeque shrimp
21-25 count per pound	Good for general shrimp dishes, but may overcook in the barbeque shrimp recipe
31-35 count per pound	Better suited for shrimp cocktail or other applications where smaller size is preferred

By choosing and preparing the shrimp right, you’re ready for a delicious new orleans bbq shrimp recipe and barbeque shrimp experience.

Creating the Signature New Orleans Sauce

The secret to a great barbeque shrimp recipe is the New Orleans sauce. This sauce makes the shrimp taste amazing. Let’s look at how to make the perfect bbq shrimp sauce.

Seasoning Blend Components

The seasoning blend for the New Orleans bbq shrimp sauce is special. It has:

Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper
Black pepper
Dried oregano
Dried thyme

Sauce Base Preparation

The base of the New Orleans barbeque shrimp recipe sauce is creamy. It’s made by simmering:

Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Lemon juice

Balancing the Flavors

A great New Orleans bbq shrimp sauce balances flavors well. It should have:

Richness from the butter and oil
Tanginess from the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice
Spiciness from the cayenne and black pepper
Herbaceous notes from the oregano and thyme

Adjusting these ingredients carefully makes a sauce that’s complex and tasty. It’s perfect with the shrimp.

Step-by-Step BBQ Shrimp Cooking Process

Learning to cook bbq shrimp in oven or on the stovetop is key. It lets you make the real new orleans bbq shrimp recipe at home. Here are the steps to get restaurant-quality results:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the shrimp, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if cooking on the stovetop.
Put the prepared shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the shrimp with the New Orleans-style sauce, making sure they’re evenly coated.
For the oven method, roast the shrimp for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are opaque and slightly charred around the edges.
If cooking on the stovetop, heat the sauce in the skillet until simmering. Add the shrimp and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through.
Take the shrimp off the heat and place them on a serving dish, Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Serve the bbq shrimp in oven or stovetop-cooked shrimp right away. Enjoy them with crusty bread or over fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce. Experience the authentic flavors of New Orleans in your own home.

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results

To make delicious barbeque shrimp at home, like your favorite New Orleans dish, pay close attention to details. A few key techniques can help you make your bbq shrimp taste like they’re from a restaurant.

Temperature Control Techniques

Controlling the temperature is key for perfect barbeque shrimp. Use a digital thermometer to check the oil or basting liquid’s temperature. Aim for 350°F to 375°F. This ensures the shrimp cook fast and stay juicy.

Timing and Doneness Indicators

Cooking barbeque shrimp right is important. Watch them closely and take them out when they’re pink and slightly curled. If they’re overcooked, they’ll be tough. Look for a slight bounce when pressed for the best doneness.

Technique	Description
Temperature Control	Maintain oil or basting liquid between 350°F and 375°F
Timing	Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly
Doneness Indicator	Shrimp should be just cooked through, with a slight bounce when pressed

Mastering temperature control and timing will help you make barbeque shrimp that taste like they’re from a New Orleans restaurant.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serving your New Orleans BBQ shrimp right can make a big difference. It’s best with crusty French bread, which is great for soaking up the sauce. The bread’s soft inside and crunchy outside match perfectly with the tender shrimp.

For a refreshing touch, pair the BBQ shrimp with a cool drink. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can balance the spices. Or, a cold beer, especially a New Orleans lager, can offer a nice contrast to the shrimp’s bold taste.

Presenting the dish family-style can add to the fun. Put the shrimp and sauce on a big platter or bowl. Don’t forget extra napkins, as it can get messy. Add some parsley or green onions for a splash of color and freshness.

FAQ

What distinct taste characterizes New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

New Orleans BBQ shrimp has a unique taste.It blends Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning together.. This mix creates a rich, savory flavor that’s a bit spicy.

How does New Orleans BBQ shrimp differ from traditional barbecue shrimp?

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is not grilled or smoked like traditional barbecue. Instead, it’s simmered in a sauce or baked. The flavors are more about Creole and Cajun spices than smoky or sweet ones.

What are the essential ingredients for making authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

To make authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp, you need fresh Gulf shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning. Every ingredient contributes to the dish’s distinctive flavor.

What type of cookware and equipment is best for preparing New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

Use a heavy-duty skillet or sauté pan for stovetop cooking. For oven-baked, a rimmed baking sheet works best. Tools like tongs, a slotted spoon, and a serving platter are also crucial.

How do I select and prepare the shrimp for New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

Choose fresh, large Gulf shrimp that are cleaned and deveined. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp before cooking. This ensures they sear and cook well in the sauce.

What are the key components of the signature New Orleans BBQ shrimp sauce?

The sauce consists of a combination of Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning. It’s important to balance the butter’s richness with the savory Worcestershire and spicy Creole spices for the authentic flavor.

How do I cook the perfect New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

Cook the shrimp on the stovetop or in the oven. First, sear the shrimp. Then, simmer or bake them in the sauce until they’re cooked but still tender and juicy.

What are some tips for achieving restaurant-quality New Orleans BBQ shrimp at home?

For restaurant-quality shrimp, control the temperature and timing well.Cook the shrimp until they turn opaque and curl up. This ensures perfect texture and flavor.

What are some traditional serving suggestions and pairings for New Orleans BBQ shrimp?

Serve the shrimp with crusty French bread to soak up the sauce, and pair it with traditional Creole and Cajun sides like dirty rice or potato salad. Complement the bold flavors with a chilled local beer or a crisp white wine, because this enhances the overall dining experience. This combination makes for a delightful meal, so it truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore regional flavors.

Conclusion

Making authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp is all about balance. You need fresh ingredients, tried-and-true methods, and a love for the city’s culinary history. This dish, born at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant, has won hearts with its bold flavors.

When you make the new orleans bbq shrimp recipe at home or enjoy it at a local spot, focus on the best shrimp. Use the right seasonings and let the dish simmer in the oven. This way, you’ll get a bbq shrimp in oven dish that’s truly special.

Exploring Creole cuisine means more than just following a recipe. It’s about the passion and care you put into it. Dive into the history, try new things, and enjoy the flavors that have made this dish a favorite in New Orleans for so long.

How to Make Authentic New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe