Barbecued Gulf Shrimp with Cream
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Category: < 30 Minutes
Keywords: Easy, Shrimp, Barbecue, Seafood, Creamy
Description:
Barbecued Gulf Shrimp with Cream is a delightful seafood dish that has become an instant favorite in our family. Adapted from the renowned Stephen Piles Cookbook, this recipe offers a mouthwatering blend of rich, creamy sauce and tender shrimp, all made in just 20 minutes. The first time I prepared it was on vacation with my brother-in-law and his family, and we were all hooked. My children, along with my brother-in-law’s family, were so enamored with it that even though I boiled a large portion of shrimp as a backup, it was the barbecued shrimp that got devoured. Serve it with crusty French bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/3 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Shrimp (large, peeled) | 16-18 shrimp |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup |
| Diced tomato | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Scallions, chopped | 4 stalks |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Cayenne powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 2 tsp |
| Fresh thyme (optional) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh oregano (optional) | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349.6 kcal |
| Fat | 33.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 109.1 mg |
| Sodium | 214.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 6.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: cayenne powder, paprika, ground cumin, fresh ground black pepper, salt, fresh thyme, and fresh oregano (if using). Mix thoroughly and set aside. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to lightly smoke. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and softened. -
Add the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp in the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are halfway cooked, about 3-4 minutes. The shrimp will turn a light pink color as they begin to cook through. -
Season the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp are partially cooked, increase the heat to high. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the shrimp, and stir to coat them evenly with the spices. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream, diced tomato, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and reduce the mixture by half, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This should take around 3-4 minutes. -
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the chopped scallions and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece of butter to melt and blend into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if necessary. -
Serve:
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Barbecued Gulf Shrimp with Cream immediately, accompanied by a loaf of warm, crusty French bread for dipping. The bread will be perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce!
Tips and Variations:
- Shrimp Size: You can use any size shrimp for this recipe, but large, peeled shrimp work best for a tender and juicy texture.
- Optional Add-ins: For added flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil at the end for garnish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne powder according to your preferred spice level. If you like it milder, reduce the amount, or omit it entirely.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or a light salad to balance out the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
This Barbecued Gulf Shrimp with Cream recipe is a simple yet decadent dish that will make your dinner memorable. With the combination of smoky seasonings, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
