Best Spots for BBQ Shrimp in New Orleans: A Foodie Tour
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By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans boasts an outstanding culinary heritage, and one dish that exemplifies this is the iconic BBQ shrimp. Despite its name, this delicacy is not actually barbecued but rather sautéed in a flavorful butter-based sauce. It has become an integral part of the city’s food culture, a beloved local specialty.
In This Article
TL;DR
BBQ shrimp is a New Orleans classic featuring shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce.
The dish originated in the Italian-American community and has deep cultural roots.
It’s typically served with the heads and tails on, accompanied by French bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Historical Context of BBQ Shrimp
The origins of BBQ shrimp can be traced back to the early 20th century in the Italian-American community of New Orleans. The dish is said to have been created at Pascal’s Manale, a historic restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood.
Over time, the recipe evolved, with chefs adding their own twists and variations. The dish gained popularity and became a staple on menus across the city, with each restaurant putting its unique spin on the classic recipe.
Key figures like the Radosta family, who owned Pascal’s Manale for decades, and renowned chefs like Frank Brigtsen and Susan Spicer, played a significant role in popularizing and refining the dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
While the exact ingredients may vary slightly from one restaurant to another, the core components of New Orleans BBQ shrimp typically include:
Large Gulf shrimp (often with heads and tails on)
Butter
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic
Lemon juice
Creole seasoning
Hot sauce (like Tabasco)
Beer or white wine
The preparation method involves sautéing the shrimp in a skillet with melted butter, garlic, and seasonings. Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, and beer or wine are added to create the signature sauce. The shrimp are cooked until they turn pink and the sauce thickens.
Variations may include the addition of herbs like rosemary or thyme, or the use of different types of beer or wine in the sauce.
Top Restaurants for BBQ Shrimp in New Orleans
When it comes to finding the best BBQ shrimp in New Orleans, several restaurants stand out for their quality ingredients, authentic recipes, and rave customer reviews. Here are some top spots to consider:
Pascal’s Manale
As the birthplace of BBQ shrimp, Pascal’s Manale is a must-visit for any foodie in New Orleans. This historic restaurant has been serving its legendary BBQ shrimp since the early 1900s, using a recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Located in the French Quarter, Mr. B’s Bistro is widely regarded as one of the best places for BBQ shrimp in the city. Their version features jumbo Gulf shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery sauce infused with Worcestershire, garlic, and Creole spices.
Chef Frank Brigtsen’s eponymous restaurant in the Riverbend neighborhood is a local favorite for its authentic New Orleans cuisine, including a decadent take on BBQ shrimp. Brigtsen’s version comes with a tangy, buttery sauce and a shrimp-stuffed calas (Creole rice fritter) on the side.
Address: 723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 861-7610
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5:30PM-9:30PM
Deanie’s Seafood
With multiple locations across the city, Deanie’s Seafood is a beloved institution for seafood lovers. Their BBQ shrimp dish is a classic rendition, featuring plump Gulf shrimp in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with French bread.
The preparation of BBQ shrimp in New Orleans involves a combination of culinary techniques and styles that have been influenced by the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Traditional methods involve sautéing the shrimp in a skillet over high heat, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. This technique helps to concentrate the flavors and create a rich, velvety sauce.
Some chefs incorporate modern cooking styles, such as using a cast-iron skillet or adding a touch of smoke to the dish by briefly grilling the shrimp before finishing them in the sauce.
The influence of local culture is evident in the use of Creole seasoning blends, the inclusion of Worcestershire sauce (a nod to the city’s English heritage), and the practice of serving the shrimp with their heads and tails on, which is a common tradition in New Orleans seafood dishes.
Best Times to Enjoy BBQ Shrimp in New Orleans
While BBQ shrimp is available year-round in New Orleans, there are certain times of the year when the dish is at its peak.
Spring and early summer are considered prime seasons for Gulf shrimp, as the warmer waters yield larger, more flavorful shrimp. Many restaurants and seafood festivals celebrate the arrival of the new shrimp season with special events and promotions.
The annual New Orleans Seafood Festival, typically held in September, is a must-attend event for seafood lovers. Here, you can sample BBQ shrimp from various vendors and participate in cooking demonstrations and competitions.
Practical Tips for Enjoying BBQ Shrimp
To fully embrace the New Orleans experience of enjoying BBQ shrimp, it’s essential to follow a few practical tips:
Order the dish with the heads and tails on for maximum flavor and authenticity.
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – BBQ shrimp is meant to be eaten with your fingers, using the provided bibs and plenty of napkins.
Soak up the flavorful sauce with fresh, crusty French bread – it’s an integral part of the experience.
Consider pairing your BBQ shrimp with a local beer, such as Abita, or a crisp white wine to complement the rich flavors.
Complement your meal with other New Orleans classics like gumbo, jambalaya, or a refreshing shrimp remoulade.
Impact on Local Culture and Tourism
BBQ shrimp has become an iconic dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans. It has played a significant role in attracting tourists and food enthusiasts from around the world, contributing to the city’s thriving tourism industry.
Local chefs and restaurateurs take immense pride in their BBQ shrimp recipes, often guarding them as closely-held family secrets. The dish has become a source of friendly competition among establishments, each striving to offer the most authentic and flavorful version.
For locals, BBQ shrimp is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural touchstone that connects them to their city’s history and traditions. Many New Orleanians have fond memories of enjoying BBQ shrimp at family gatherings or neighborhood restaurants, making it an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Future Trends and Sustainability
As the popularity of BBQ shrimp continues to grow, both locally and globally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing of Gulf shrimp.
Many restaurants are partnering with local shrimpers and seafood suppliers to ensure they are using fresh, responsibly-caught shrimp in their dishes. Some establishments are also exploring the use of alternative proteins or plant-based options to cater to diverse dietary preferences.
In terms of culinary innovation, chefs are experimenting with new flavor combinations and cooking techniques to put their unique spin on the classic BBQ shrimp recipe. From incorporating global spices and herbs to experimenting with different types of alcohol in the sauce, the possibilities for creative interpretations are endless.
As New Orleans continues to evolve as a culinary destination, BBQ shrimp will undoubtedly remain a beloved staple, celebrated for its rich history, bold flavors, and enduring connection to the city’s cultural identity.
