Emeril’s New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a must-try dish that brings bold Creole flavors straight to your kitchen. The rich, buttery sauce, infused with Worcestershire, white wine, and Creole seasoning, creates a mouthwatering balance of tangy, spicy, and savory goodness. Each bite is packed with deep Louisiana flavors, making it a true restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. The best part? This recipe pays homage to one of New Orleans’ most iconic dishes while offering a refined presentation fit for any dinner occasion. Serve it with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, and don’t forget to yell “BAM!” when you plate it up. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some Southern comfort, this BBQ shrimp dish is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. large gulf shrimp, in shells
- 2 tbsp. Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp. cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 2 tbsp. minced garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 lemons, peeled and sectioned
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. chopped chives
Directions:
- Peel shrimp, leaving tails attached. Reserve the shells and set aside. Coat shrimp with 1 tbsp. of Creole seasoning and black pepper, then refrigerate.
- To prepare the BBQ base sauce, heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a large pot over high heat. Once hot, add onions and garlic, then sauté for 1 minute.
- Add reserved shrimp shells, remaining Creole seasoning, bay leaves, lemons, water, Worcestershire sauce, wine, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Let the sauce cool for 15 minutes, then strain into a small saucepan.
- Bring the strained sauce to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, until dark, thick, and syrupy.
- Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the cold seasoned shrimp when the oil is hot and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and entire BBQ base sauce, then stir and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove shrimp to a warm platter.
- Whisk butter into the sauce, then remove from the heat and spoon it over the shrimp. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History Behind New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
A Classic Dish with Mysterious Origins
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp has a long history in Southern and Creole cuisine, but its exact origin is debated. Some say the dish was created in the 1950s at Pascal’s Manale, an Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. It was reportedly inspired by a customer who had returned from Chicago and described a buttery, peppery shrimp dish he had eaten there. The restaurant’s chefs took that inspiration and created what is now one of New Orleans’ most famous seafood dishes.
However, Emeril Lagasse took this classic dish to the next level. His version, served at his flagship restaurant in New Orleans, refines the dish by peeling the shrimp and using the shells to create a deeply flavorful sauce. This technique not only enhances the depth of flavor but also makes it easier to enjoy without the mess of peeling shrimp at the table.
A Staple of Creole Cuisine
Creole cuisine is a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a rich and flavorful food culture that is distinctly New Orleans. Traditional Creole dishes focus on robust seasoning, butter-based sauces, and a combination of land and sea ingredients. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp perfectly embodies this philosophy, combining fresh Gulf shrimp with a buttery, tangy sauce that bursts with spices and citrus flavors.
The Flavor Profile of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its complex and balanced flavor. Each bite brings a mix of spice, tanginess, richness, and umami, making it a truly satisfying dish. Here’s what makes the flavor so special:
- Spice & Heat – Creole seasoning and cracked black pepper add a bold kick that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Tanginess – Lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce provide a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the butter and cream.
- Umami & Depth – Shrimp shells are simmered into the sauce, adding a deep seafood essence that gives the dish its signature bold flavor.
- Richness & Creaminess – Butter and heavy cream bring a luxurious, silky texture to the sauce, making it irresistible.
How to Serve Emeril’s New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Classic Presentation
In New Orleans, this dish is typically served in a shallow bowl with plenty of sauce. It is almost always accompanied by crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Since the shrimp are peeled in this version, it’s easier to enjoy without worrying about messy hands.
Perfect Pairings
While the shrimp and sauce are the stars of the show, you can serve the dish with a few delicious sides to complete the meal:
- Crusty Bread: The ultimate way to enjoy the sauce. A fresh French baguette or garlic bread is highly recommended.
- Creamy Grits: A classic Southern side that complements the richness of the shrimp.
- Rice: White or brown rice helps soak up the sauce and adds extra texture to the dish.
- Sautéed Greens: Collard greens, Swiss chard, or spinach add a touch of bitterness to balance the richness of the dish.
Wine & Drink Pairings
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp pairs beautifully with both white wine and cocktails. Here are a few great options:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the acidity and richness of the dish.
- Cocktails: A classic Sazerac or a citrusy Old-Fashioned enhances the Creole flavors.
- Beer: A cold Abita Amber or a light lager balances the spice and richness of the sauce.
Variations & Customizations
One of the great things about Emeril’s BBQ Shrimp is that it can be customized based on personal preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
1. Extra Spicy Version
- Increase the amount of black pepper and Creole seasoning for a bolder heat.
- Add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for even more spice.
2. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
- Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles instead of bread or traditional rice.
3. Dairy-Free Option
- Replace the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.
4. Grilled BBQ Shrimp
- Instead of cooking the shrimp in the sauce, grill them separately and serve with the sauce on the side. This adds a smoky charred flavor to the dish.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love bold flavors and restaurant-quality meals, Emeril’s New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a must-try dish. It captures the essence of Creole cuisine and brings a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or a weekend feast, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Conclusion:
Emeril’s New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the vibrant Creole food culture that makes New Orleans one of the greatest culinary cities in the world. With its rich sauce, succulent shrimp, and bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the essence of Louisiana cuisine.