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!