Award-Winning Spicy BBQ Shrimp

🍤 Award-Winning Spicy BBQ Shrimp 🏆

History:
Spicy BBQ shrimp is a delicious and popular dish that has its roots in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana. It’s often associated with Creole and Cajun cuisine, known for its bold and flavorful ingredients. The dish draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the region, which combines elements from French, Spanish, African, and Native American cooking traditions.

Components:

1. Shrimp: You’ll need fresh, large shrimp, typically around 16-20 count per pound. Make sure they are peeled and deveined but leave the tails on for presentation.
2. BBQ Sauce: The key to the dish’s flavor is a smoky and spicy barbecue sauce. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make a homemade version with ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices.
3. Spices and Herbs: To add depth to the flavor, use a combination of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme. Fresh garlic and green onions also play an essential role.
4. Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and enhances the sauce’s texture.
5. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright and tangy element.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Start by preparing the BBQ sauce. If you’re using a store-bought sauce, you can skip this step. To make your own sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer it over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Set it aside.

2. In a large skillet or pan, melt a few tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until it becomes fragrant.

3. Stir in the prepared BBQ sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.

5. Just before removing the shrimp from the pan, add chopped green onions and dried thyme to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Stir it all together for another minute.

6. Serve the spicy BBQ shrimp immediately over a bed of cooked rice or with crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. You can garnish it with more green onions and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh touch.

Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking of this dish can typically be done in about 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your award-winning spicy BBQ shrimp! 🍤🌶️🍋🍚🏆

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Spicy BBQ Shrimp:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: About 250-300 calories per serving, primarily from shrimp, butter, and the BBQ sauce.

• Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing around 20-25 grams of protein per serving.

• Fat: The butter and BBQ sauce contribute to the fat content, with roughly 10-15 grams of fat per serving. It’s worth noting that shrimp is low in saturated fat.

• Carbohydrates: There are some carbohydrates from the sugars in the BBQ sauce, which can be around 15-20 grams per serving.

• Fiber: Minimal fiber content in this dish.

• Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the BBQ sauce and butter, with approximately 800-1000 mg of sodium per serving.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is a good source of various essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium.

Health Information:

• Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also relatively low in calories compared to other protein sources.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. However, the butter used in the recipe can add saturated fat, so it’s best to consume this dish in moderation.

• Sodium: The sodium content in BBQ sauce can be high, and excess sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure. Consider using low-sodium BBQ sauce or reducing the amount in the recipe if you’re concerned about sodium intake.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, as well as selenium, an antioxidant that supports overall health.

• Balanced Diet: While this dish can be a delicious part of your diet, it’s essential to balance it with a variety of other foods to ensure you get a wide range of nutrients. Incorporate vegetables, whole grains, and other protein sources for a well-rounded and nutritious diet.

Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients you use and portion sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.