Cajun BBQ Shrimp Recipe (New Orleans–Style)
This Cajun BBQ shrimp recipe is a true New Orleans classic. It is rich, buttery, spicy, and full of bold Louisiana flavor. Unlike traditional BBQ shrimp, this dish is not grilled. Instead, the shrimp are cooked in a deep, seasoned butter sauce that soaks into every bite.
This recipe brings the taste of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. It is easy to make, quick to cook, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
What Is Cajun BBQ Shrimp?
Cajun BBQ shrimp is a famous dish from New Orleans. Even though the name says “BBQ,” the shrimp are not cooked on a grill, and there is no barbecue sauce. They are cooked on the stove in a spicy butter sauce made with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
This New Orleans BBQ shrimp recipe is known for its bold and buttery flavor. It is often served with crusty bread, so nothing goes to waste. The sauce is just as important as the shrimp.
Why This Cajun BBQ Shrimp Recipe is Special
This recipe stays true to traditional Louisiana cooking. It uses simple ingredients but creates deep flavor. The shrimp cook fast, making this dish great for busy nights or special dinners.
What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of spice, butter, and seasoning, topped off with a squeeze of citrus. It is rich without being heavy and spicy without being too hot. This authentic Cajun shrimp recipe is easy enough for beginners and satisfying for experienced cooks.
Cajun BBQ Shrimp Recipe
20 minutes
10 minutes
4-6
Main Course
Cajun/ Creole
Ingredients for Cajun BBQ Shrimp
Main Ingredients
2 pounds jumbo shrimp: Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and hold the sauce well
4 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the shrimp evenly and adds light richness
1 stick unsalted butter: The base of the sauce that gives this Cajun BBQ shrimp its buttery flavor
6 large cloves garlic, minced: Adds strong, savory taste to the butter sauce
2 scallions: Bring a mild onion flavor and freshness
4 rosemary sprigs: Add a light herbal note that balances the butter and spice
Sauce & Seasoning Ingredients
½ cup amber beer: Adds depth and classic Louisiana-style flavor
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Brings a rich, savory taste to the sauce
2 tablespoons Mardi Gras Magic seasoning: Provides authentic Cajun flavor and heat
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the butter
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds spice and heat (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Peel and Devein the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Clean shrimp look better, cook more evenly, and set your dish apart. Set the shrimp aside once they are prepared.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and add the Mardi Gras Magic seasoning. Toss the shrimp well so they are evenly coated. This step adds bold Cajun flavor and prepares the shrimp for cooking.
Step 3: Cook Garlic and Rosemary in Butter
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and rosemary sprigs and cook for about one minute. Stir gently until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Add the Beer and Simmer
Pour the amber beer into the pan with the butter mixture. Let it simmer for a short time so the flavors blend together. This helps build the base of the sauce and adds depth to the dish.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Cook
Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for about four minutes, stirring gently so they cook evenly. Make sure the shrimp are cooked through and coated well with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Worcestershire, Lemon, and Hot Sauce
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce. These ingredients add balance, brightness, and heat to the Cajun BBQ shrimp sauce.
Step 7: Finish Cooking and Serve
Continue cooking until the shrimp are fully done and the sauce is rich and smooth. Remove from heat and serve hot with plenty of sauce. We like to remove the cooked rosemary and replace it with a fresh sprig for garnish. This cajun bbq shrimp recipe is best enjoyed right away while the butter sauce is warm.
Printable Cajun BBQ Shrimp Recipe Card
You can also download our easy, ready-to-print recipe card for quick use in your kitchen. It includes all the ingredients and steps in a clean and simple format.
Cajun BBQ Shrimp Variations You Can Try
Spicy Cajun BBQ Shrimp
If you love heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a few drops of hot sauce. This version brings stronger spice without changing the base flavor. It is great for those who enjoy bold and fiery Louisiana food.
Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp
For a richer taste, increase the amount of garlic, halve the Mardi Gras Magic, and remove the rosemary. This version focuses more on savory flavor and less on heat. Garlic butter Cajun shrimp pairs well with bread or rice and is a favorite for family dinners.
Creole-Style BBQ Shrimp
You can swap Cajun seasoning for Creole seasoning and add tomatoes and the holy trinity to create a different flavor. This Creole BBQ shrimp version is perfect if you want less heat but still want classic New Orleans flavor.
What to Serve with Cajun BBQ Shrimp
Crusty French bread is the most popular side because it soaks up the sauce. Steamed rice or creamy grits also work well and balance the spice.
A light salad or simple vegetables can help round out the meal. Many people enjoy this dish with iced tea or a cold drink.
About the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
The Mardi Gras School of Cooking is located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. It began in 1988 when Chef Bond started teaching Cajun and Creole cooking from his home kitchen.
Today, the school offers hands-on cooking classes where guests learn classic Louisiana dishes, cooking skills, and the history behind the food. It is a place where culture, flavor, and fun come together.
Join a Cooking Class & Learn More Cajun Recipes
If you love this Cajun BBQ shrimp recipe, there is even more to learn. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking offers interactive classes where you can cook real New Orleans dishes from start to finish.
Join a class to learn Cajun and Creole recipes, cooking techniques, and the stories behind Louisiana food. Visit the Mardi Gras School of Cooking to explore upcoming classes and events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Cajun BBQ shrimp ahead of time?
Cajun BBQ shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently and cook the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender and flavorful.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun BBQ shrimp recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used if they are fully thawed first. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before seasoning. Removing extra moisture helps the shrimp cook evenly and allows the sauce to stick better.
Is Cajun BBQ shrimp very spicy?
The spice level depends on how much seasoning and hot sauce you use. This recipe has a balanced heat, but it is not overpowering. You can easily reduce or increase the spice to match your personal taste.
What type of pan works best for cooking Cajun BBQ shrimp?
A wide, heavy pan or skillet works best for this recipe. It allows the shrimp to cook evenly and gives the sauce enough space to simmer without overcrowding, which helps build flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. They should feel firm but not rubbery. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so remove them from heat as soon as they are done.