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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!