New Orleans-Style Shrimp Recipe: Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

New Orleans-style shrimp is quick to prepare and full of bold flavor. With just a few simple ingredients you can have a rich, creamy shrimp dish on the table in under 20 minutes.

shrimp over white rice on a white plate with a fork

The first time I visited New Orleans I was immediately taken by the food—so much flavor in every bite. I tried New Orleans-style shrimp at a small local restaurant and loved it. Reading the menu ingredients gave me the confidence to recreate that dish at home, and the result was just as delicious.

Why These New Orleans Style Shrimp Are So Good:

  • Easy to make: Minimal prep and fast cook time, but big, layered flavor.
  • Low carb and keto-friendly: A great option for low-carb diets when served without rice.
  • Few ingredients: Mostly pantry staples plus fresh shrimp.
  • Versatile: Serves beautifully over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta.

What’s in this New Orleans Style Shrimp Dish:

The recipe relies on fresh shrimp as the star and a handful of herbs and spices, butter, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of cream to finish. These elements combine to create a savory, slightly spicy sauce that clings to the shrimp.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Shrimp (about 1 lb)
  • Paprika
  • Granulated garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Lemon (juice)
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Fresh garlic
  • Bay leaves
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper

How to Make New Orleans Style Shrimp:

Cooking this shrimp is straightforward and fast. Follow these steps for the best results:

  1. Season the shrimp with paprika, granulated garlic, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil and the butter.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about a couple of minutes.
  4. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Add minced garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice; cook for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, simmer briefly to thicken slightly, then remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Can you make this ahead of time?

You can season the shrimp in advance—store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before cooking. Because the sauce comes together in minutes, I recommend preparing the sauce and cooking the shrimp at serving time for the freshest texture and flavor.

New Orleans creamy shrimp in a skillet.

More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

  • Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
  • Coconut Shrimp Curry
  • Shrimp Scampi
  • Honey Garlic Shrimp
  • Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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New Orleans Style Shrimp

By
Julie Maestre
This seasoned shrimp dish captures classic New Orleans flavors. Serve it over white rice for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep:
5
Cook:
5
Total:
10
Servings:
2 servings
Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Season the shrimp with paprika, granulated garlic, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat a large pan with a drizzle of oil and 2 tbsp butter.
  • Cook the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side.
  • Stir in bay leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, simmer briefly until slightly thickened, remove bay leaves, and garnish with parsley.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2
|
Calories: 455kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 6g
|
Protein: 47g
|
Fat: 26g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Julie Maestre
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Course:
Main Dish
Cuisine:
American, Cajun
Servings:
2 servings
Calories:
455
Keyword:
New Orleans Style Shrimp




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