Taste The Heat: How To Make Sizzling Louisiana Bbq Shrimp That Will Set Your Taste Buds Ablaze

Louisiana barbecue shrimp, a tantalizing delicacy that tantalizes taste buds, is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Louisiana’s vibrant flavors. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure, mastering the art of creating this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

To craft Louisiana BBQ shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, barbecue sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.

Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and slightly charred.

Create the Barbecue Sauce

While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Baste the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the grill and baste them generously with the barbecue sauce. Return the shrimp to the grill and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until the sauce has caramelized and the shrimp are fully glazed.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Louisiana BBQ shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, potatoes, or coleslaw.

Tips for Perfect Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

• Use large shrimp: Large shrimp will hold up better on the grill and absorb more flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery.
• Baste the shrimp often: Basting keeps the shrimp moist and helps the sauce caramelize.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauces: Find a barbecue sauce that you enjoy and use it as a base for your own Louisiana BBQ shrimp sauce.
• Add your own spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Variations on Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

• Spicy BBQ Shrimp: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce.
• Garlic BBQ Shrimp: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the barbecue sauce.
• Honey BBQ Shrimp: Replace the brown sugar with honey in the barbecue sauce.
• Lemon BBQ Shrimp: Add a few tablespoons of lemon zest to the barbecue sauce.
• Cajun BBQ Shrimp: Add a few teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the barbecue sauce.

Sides for Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

• Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or potato salad are all great options.
• Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw is a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the shrimp.
• Green beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans add a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish.

The Ultimate Ending: A Symphony of Flavors

Louisiana BBQ shrimp is a culinary masterpiece that combines the bold flavors of Louisiana barbecue with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a special treat, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp are cooked when they are opaque and slightly charred on the outside.

Can I make Louisiana BBQ shrimp in the oven?

Yes, you can bake Louisiana BBQ shrimp in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I freeze Louisiana BBQ shrimp?

Yes, you can freeze Louisiana BBQ shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat Louisiana BBQ shrimp?

You can reheat Louisiana BBQ shrimp in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before cooking.

What is the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

To peel and devein shrimp, use a sharp knife to cut along the back of the shrimp, from head to tail. Remove the shell and the black vein that runs down the back of the shrimp.