FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES
Traditionally in New Orleans the famous “barbecued” shrimp are actually sautéed in a skillet. We usually get a little heretical and toss the shrimp on the grill or even smoke them, but in the end we return to home base by serving them with a sauce similar to the skillet version. This sauce is also fantastic on white fish fillets destined for the grill.
The Barbecued Shrimp BBQ Sauce is a delectable creation that takes the succulent goodness of shrimp to new heights with its harmonious blend of flavors. Crafted with a thoughtful combination of ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, beer, chili sauce, and a selection of spices, this sauce adds a tantalizing dimension to your shrimp dishes.
The symphony of Worcestershire sauce, zesty lemon juice, and beer creates a foundation of rich and balanced flavors. The addition of chili sauce imparts a subtle heat that marries perfectly with the seafood’s natural sweetness. The blend of spices, including garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper, further enhances the sauce’s complexity and depth.
To prepare the Barbecued Shrimp BBQ Sauce, combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer gently. This cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sauce that’s bursting with savory and tangy notes. As the sauce simmers, it transforms into a luscious concoction that’s ready to elevate your shrimp to a gourmet level.
The Barbecued Shrimp BBQ Sauce is tailor-made for shrimp enthusiasts. Whether you’re grilling, broiling, or sautéing shrimp, this sauce adds a layer of decadence that complements and enhances the natural flavors of the seafood. With its ideal balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat, it creates a harmonious pairing that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Slather the sauce generously over your shrimp, allowing its flavors to infuse the seafood as it cooks. Alternatively, use it as a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated in a covered container for future seafood escapades, ensuring you have a delightful condiment ready whenever you’re craving a seafood feast.
The Barbecued Shrimp BBQ Sauce is not just a sauce; it’s an adventure in flavor. Its ability to transform shrimp from an ordinary dish to an extraordinary culinary experience showcases the power of well-crafted sauces. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this sauce is your ticket to a memorable gastronomic journey.
MAKES: ABOUT 1½ CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup medium-bodied beer
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons cane syrup, such as Steen’s, or molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco or Crystal hot sauce, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or dried thyme
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Melt the Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a large saucepan and melt it over low heat.
- Whisk in Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the medium-bodied beer, juice of the large lemons, cane syrup (or molasses), Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco or Crystal hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, bay leaf, kosher salt or coarse sea salt, and dried rosemary or dried thyme.
- Cook Gently: Continue cooking the mixture gently over low heat for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the baste to thicken slightly.
- Serve Warm: Your Beer-Lemon Cajun Baste is now ready to be served. Use it as a warm and flavorful addition when grilling shrimp or fish. The bold and tangy flavors will complement your seafood dishes perfectly.
- Refrigerate for Later: If you have any leftovers, you can cool the baste and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, consume it within a week. When you’re ready to use it again, simply reheat the baste.
