Spicy New Orleans Shrimp is a true flavor explosion—succulent shrimp baked in a bold, buttery sauce packed with Creole seasonings, smoky paprika, a generous squeeze of lemon, and plenty of hot sauce. If you’re looking for a Southern-inspired dish that’s both quick and memorable, this recipe delivers. So grab some crusty bread and get ready to savor every drop of this spicy, garlicky, saucy delight. It’s no wonder Spicy New Orleans Shrimp is one of my all-time favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of kitchen staples work together to create something magical. Each ingredient adds its own layer, making every bite of Spicy New Orleans Shrimp totally irresistible and colorful.
- Shrimp (2 pounds, large, peeled & deveined, tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest, most tender results.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): This forms the rich base of your sauce, ensuring it clings to every shrimp.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Balances out the butter while adding a hint of fruitiness to the dish.
- Worcestershire sauce (¼ cup): Adds a tangy, savory depth with a little sweet complexity.
- Hot sauce (3 tablespoons): Bring on the heat—adjust amount for your spice preference.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with that classic, aromatic punch.
- Creole seasoning (2 tablespoons): The backbone of that unmistakable New Orleans taste!
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds smoky warmth and deep color to both sauce and shrimp.
- Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon): For even more heat, and an appealing red hue.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an herbal, earthy note that breaks up the spice.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle floral and savory background.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): A burst of citrus brightness to lift all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh touch and a pop of green at the end.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out the overall flavor profile.
- Crusty bread (for serving): Don’t skip it—not just for eating, but for soaking up all that amazing sauce!
How to Make Spicy New Orleans Shrimp
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you begin, have everything measured, chopped, and ready to go. This quick bake comes together fast, and having your shrimp peeled and ready plus your aromatics minced means you can focus on flavor—not scrambling for forgotten ingredients!
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter, olive oil, zippy Worcestershire sauce, fiery hot sauce, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice, and just enough salt and pepper to your liking. The goal is a glossy, punchy marinade you’ll want to taste with a spoon (but hold off and save it for the shrimp!).
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Toss all of your beautiful shrimp in that sauce, making sure every piece gets evenly coated. Give them a gentle mix so the flavors really cling, transforming those shrimp into flavor sponges ready for the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Transfer everything to a large baking dish, spreading the shrimp out in a single layer so they cook evenly in the saucy goodness. Slide the dish into your preheated 400°F oven and let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a quick stir halfway through. You’re watching for them to turn pink and opaque, just barely cooked through—they’ll be tender and saucy.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Pull the Spicy New Orleans Shrimp out and give them a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, preferably with a heap of crusty bread for mopping up that incredible, spicy butter sauce. You’ll want to get every last drop!
How to Serve Spicy New Orleans Shrimp
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch—it adds color and brightness that makes the dish pop. For extra flair, try a wedge of lemon or even a few slices of fresh jalapeño on the side for garnish. The fresh, green herbs balance the deep, rich sauce and sizzling spices of Spicy New Orleans Shrimp.
Side Dishes
Nothing soaks up that zesty sauce better than a good crusty bread, but if you want to stretch it into a full meal, serve your shrimp over steamed white rice, fluffy grits, or even creamy polenta. A cool, crunchy side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always welcome to tame the heat and add a bit of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Spicy New Orleans Shrimp family-style in the baking dish for a communal feast, or plate individual portions in shallow bowls with a ladle of the sauce poured over. For a party, pile them high on a platter with toothpicks and offer bowls of the sauce on the side for dunking—perfect for sharing and dipping on game night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Spicy New Orleans Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will continue to infuse the shrimp, making for even bolder leftovers!
Freezing
While seafood is always best fresh, you can freeze cooked Spicy New Orleans Shrimp if needed. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying again.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Just a few minutes on the stovetop is all it takes to revive that saucy magic!
FAQs
Can I make Spicy New Orleans Shrimp less spicy?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to tone down the heat. You can even omit the cayenne altogether if you prefer a milder version, while still keeping that amazing Creole flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great—just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This helps them soak up all the flavors and bake up juicy, not watery.
Is there a substitute for Creole seasoning?
If you don’t have Creole seasoning, substitute with Cajun seasoning or make your own using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne. The flavor will stay true to those vibrant New Orleans classics.
Can I cook Spicy New Orleans Shrimp on the stovetop?
Definitely! Instead of baking, sauté the shrimp in a large skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re pink and saucy. This method works especially well if you want to keep a close eye on the doneness.
What’s the best way to serve the sauce?
Spoon every last drop of that buttery, spicy sauce over your shrimp, and don’t forget the bread! It’s also fantastic over rice, pasta, or even drizzled on top of roasted veggies to catch all the flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Spicy New Orleans Shrimp a spot in your kitchen—it truly bursts with Southern spirit and bold, unforgettable flavor. It’s a dish meant to be shared and enjoyed with good company, plenty of napkins, and a side of laughter. Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new weeknight hero!
Print
Spicy New Orleans Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy New Orleans Shrimp recipe is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Succulent shrimp are coated in a spicy, buttery sauce with a hint of tangy lemon and baked to perfection. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp: Add shrimp to the sauce mixture and toss to coat well.
- Bake: Transfer everything to a large baking dish, spread shrimp evenly, and bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
- Adjust heat by reducing cayenne or hot sauce if desired.
- This dish can also be cooked stovetop in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes.
- Serve with rice or grits for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pound shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 290 mg
