This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This single serving New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp recipe delivers bold flavor without the big batch. Plump, juicy shrimp simmer in a buttery, spiced Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich and delicious dish. No grill or large pot needed—just a skillet and 20 minutes.

BBQ shrimp in a white bowl topped with sliced green onions and lemon slices.

Looking for more single serving New Orleans-inspired recipes? Try my Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Étouffée, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, rich Bananas Foster, and festive King Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes.
  • Big Flavor, Small Batch: Captures the bold taste of New Orleans in a perfectly portioned meal.
  • Easily Doubles: Need two servings? Just double the ingredients for BBQ Shrimp for two.

This single serving BBQ Shrimp recipe brings the bold, spicy flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen—no grill required. In New Orleans, BBQ Shrimp means sautéed shrimp in a rich, Worcestershire-spiked butter sauce, not traditional barbecue. I loved ordering it at Mr. B’s Bistro and other restaurants when I lived there, and this recipe captures that same great taste in a perfectly portioned meal.

This recipe was inspired by a reader who pointed out that I didn’t have a BBQ Shrimp recipe on the site—even though I’m from New Orleans! She was right, and I’m excited to finally share it with you.

Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Ingredients

bbq shrimp ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy BBQ shrimp recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Shrimp: This recipe uses 8 to 9 medium shrimp, about 5 ounces. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well—just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp first. If you have extra, use them in Shrimp Quinoa Bowl, Shrimp Fettuccine, Shrimp Tacos, or Shrimp Fried Rice.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami. There’s no true substitute, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor, but bottled works if needed.
  • Creole Seasoning: Adds spice and bold flavor. Use a store-bought blend or make your own, adjusting for salt and heat. We use Creole seasoning in many recipes, including Chicken Gumbo, Baked Chicken Thighs and Slow Cooker Chickpeas and Sausage.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful sauce.

How To Make BBQ Shrimp

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how make this small batch, New Orleans-inspired BBQ shrimp recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

raw shrimp tossed in creole seasoning in a small bowl.
  1. Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with Creole seasoning.
chopped garlic simmering in a pan with butter.
  1. Cook the Garlic: Melt butter in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
seven shrimp cooking in a skillet.
  1. Sear the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute per side.
BBQ shrimp cooking in a skillet.
  1. Make the Sauce: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and remaining butter. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the shrimp as it thickens.
a bowl of barbecue shrimp topped with sliced green onions.
  1. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a plate and pour the sauce over the top.

Expert Tips

  • Control the Heat: Adjust the Creole seasoning to match your spice preference.
  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them tough.
  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot right out of the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Shrimp is flavorful on its own, but here are a few great ways to serve it:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them first. You can do this quickly by running cold water over them for a few minutes.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a little heat from the Creole seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level by using less or making a mild version of Creole seasoning.

What can I use instead of Creole seasoning?

If you don’t have Creole seasoning, use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients to make BBQ Shrimp for two.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this single serving BBQ shrimp recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

BBQ Shrimp For One

4.80 from 5 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This single serving New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp recipe features plump shrimp simmered in a buttery, spiced Worcestershire sauce. It’s quick to make, packed with bold flavor, and comes together in just 20 minutes.

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 6-8 medium shrimp (5 ounces), peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning -use homemade Creole seasoning or your favorite store brand.
  • 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter -divided
  • 1 clove garlic -minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get FREE weekly recipes.

Instructions 

  • Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with Creole seasoning.
  • Cook the Garlic: Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Sear the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute per side.
  • Make the Sauce: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the shrimp as it thickens.
  • Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a plate and pour the sauce over the top.
    Enjoy on its own or with a slice of French bread, white rice or buttered noodles.

Notes

  • Control the Heat: Adjust the Creole seasoning to match your spice preference.
  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them tough.
  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot right out of the pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 316kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 120mg, Sodium: 668mg, Potassium: 381mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1.734IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 54mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!
Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!

Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Clean Living

Check out our Clean Living page, where I share my journey to a cleaner, toxin-free lifestyle and products I use everyday.

4.80 from 5 votes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Lisa says:

    O…M…G… How did I make it this far in life without BBQ shrimp??? This recipe right here… Hit it out of the park! I just made my first batch, my fingers are still slightly messy from the sauce, and I’m planning my next grocery trip to restock ingredients. My husband is terrified to try them because I threatened him that if there weren’t any left when I return from yoga class… Well I’ll keep that part to myself ๐Ÿ˜œ

    I used a pound of head-on shrimp since I had them already. Nothing short of amazing.

    Thanks Joanie. I’ve been curious about why folks have been raving about this dish. I didn’t have a chance to try it when I was in New Orleans. I will never miss that opportunity again thanks to you ๐Ÿ˜

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Oh wow, thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved the BBQ shrimp! Your comment made my day, and I can totally picture the scene with your husband ๐Ÿ˜„. Using head-on shrimp sounds fantastic โ€“ I’m sure it added even more flavor. Enjoy your next batch!

  2. Harry McDonald says:

    Love it, much better than cookbook recipe.

  3. Marc Mathers says:

    Shrimp only need 3 min to cook. That is unless you want rubber shrimp.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      In our testing, we had great results with the time stated in the recipe. Like every recipe, make adjustments to suit your taste.

    2. Pam says:

      Followed recipe. Shrimp were cooked perfect

  4. J. Hegyi says:

    Good recipe.