Description
This Spicy New Orleans Shrimp recipe delivers bold Cajun flavors with a perfect balance of smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Quick to prepare and cooked on the stovetop, these juicy shrimp are perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, they pair wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or grits.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed to create the marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb all the bold flavors.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve a good sear.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp along with the marinade to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once. During cooking, spoon the spicy sauce over the shrimp regularly to keep them juicy and flavorful. Cook until shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the shrimp from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your choice of crusty bread, steamed rice, or creamy grits for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- For a smoky flavor twist, try grilling the shrimp instead of pan-searing on the stovetop.
- You can easily make a dairy-free version by substituting melted butter with additional olive oil.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness and juiciness.
