Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’ve ever dreamt of diving into a dish that’s rich, buttery, spicy, and utterly unforgettable, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of the Big Easy right to your kitchen with Reid Family Barbecue Shrimp. This isn’t your backyard grill barbecue; it’s the iconic New Orleans-style dish, featuring succulent shrimp swimming in a luscious, peppery, buttery sauce that’s perfect for dunking crusty bread. Get ready for a taste sensation!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Reid Family Barbecue Shrimp recipe is a true Southern classic that’s earned its legendary status. I absolutely love it because it’s surprisingly quick to prepare, especially considering the depth of flavor it achieves. It’s incredibly indulgent and comforting, yet the preparation is straightforward, making it achievable for any home cook. The magic lies in the simple combination of fresh shrimp, a generous amount of butter, and a robust blend of seasonings that creates an irresistible sauce perfect for sopping up with bread. It’s a dish that always impresses and leaves everyone craving more.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Reid Family Barbecue Shrimp:

• 1.5 pounds large (21/25 count) shrimp, raw, peeled (tails on or off, your preference) and deveined
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken or shrimp broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty French bread, for serving

Swaps and Notes

• Shrimp: Use large, good-quality raw shrimp for the best results. You can leave the tails on for presentation and easy handling, or remove them for easier eating.
• Butter & Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil provides richness and helps the sauce come together. Don’t skimp on the butter!
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the authentic flavor of this dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: The spice level of Cajun seasoning varies by brand. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. Adjust cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
• Broth: Chicken or shrimp broth adds to the sauce base. If you have homemade shrimp stock, that would be ideal.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
• Bread: A crusty French baguette is non-negotiable for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce!

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and absorb the flavors. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it brown).
3. Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
4. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or shrimp broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the simmering sauce in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, with plenty of crusty French bread for dipping into that incredible, buttery sauce.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! As soon as they turn opaque pink, they’re done. Pull them off the heat immediately.
• Good Quality Ingredients: With simple dishes like this, the quality of your ingredients, especially the shrimp and butter, really shines through.
• Use a Large Pan: A wide, deep skillet ensures the shrimp cook evenly and that there’s plenty of space for the glorious sauce.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: This helps the seasoning stick and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of cooking properly in the sauce.
• Bread is Essential: Seriously, have a good baguette ready. It’s crucial for enjoying all that delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Reid Family Barbecue Shrimp is often served as a main course with plenty of bread, but it can also be a show-stopping appetizer:

• Crusty French Bread: Absolutely essential for soaking up the rich, buttery sauce.
• Rice: A simple side of fluffy white rice can also soak up the sauce. Consider making it a full meal with a side of my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would cut through the richness.
• Cold Drinks: A crisp lager or my refreshing Blueberry Lemonade would be perfect complements.
• Southern Feast: If you’re going all out, this dish pairs wonderfully with other Southern-inspired meals like my hearty Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or a quick Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This Barbecue Shrimp is definitely best enjoyed immediately, straight from the skillet. The shrimp can become tough if reheated, and the sauce is at its creamiest and most flavorful when fresh. If you do have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, very gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or water, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the bold flavors and easy preparation of this Barbecue Shrimp, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite hearty and flavorful meals:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner.

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Final Thoughts

Reid Family Barbecue Shrimp is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s rich, spicy, buttery, and utterly irresistible, bringing the vibrant spirit of New Orleans right into your home. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this iconic Southern classic!

What are your favorite New Orleans-inspired dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.