I’m not going to lie. Saying that this recipe for NOLA smoked shrimp makes 4 servings is a bit of a stretch. At least for me. I am a total shrimp addict. These shrimp are so crazy good I could not stop eating them. The shrimp have a fantastic, slightly spicy flavor. Smoking them produces more flavor and a slightly different, softer, bite than if they were grilled. They’re different in a really good way. The sauce, well, the sauce is amazing. That’s why you need the bread (I recommend my copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits). You need to do some serious sopping with this dish.
The Perfect Shrimp
I served NOLA smoked shrimp with some chilled Louisiana remoulade. I wanted (needed) something cooling for the shrimp, and the remoulade hit the spot perfectly. This is one seriously great dish, and one I’ll make again and again for sure. I’ll just have to double the recipe if anyone else wants any.
I used a grill basket when I cooked these shrimp.
Also try my pecan smoked shrimp.
NOLA Smoked Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 2 pounds shrimp I recommend at least 20-24 sized shrimp if not larger. Devein the shrimp and peel if desired.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
For the barbecue sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 green onions sliced, separate the white and green parts
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup beer
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Louisiana-style of course!
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- Grilled bread for sopping
Instructions
For the shrimp
- Fire up your smoker for smoking at 250 F. Use any wood you like, but I went with a lighter wood, apple. Shrimp likes to absorb smoke so I didn't want to use a strongly flavored wood.
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with the oil. Toss to coat. Add the seasoning and toss to coat.
- Transfer the shrimp to your smoker and smoke for 45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the shrimp is smoking make the sauce. When the shrimp is done add to the sauce and serve garnished with the remaining green onions.
For the barbecue sauce
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the green parts of the green onions and all of white parts. Saute for 3 minutes.
- Add the bourbon and beer and boil until reduced by half.
- Add the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice and brown sugar. Boil for 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream, the remaining butter, and the hot sauce. Let boil until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.