Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Orleans Style Barbecue Shrimp?
It is a classic Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, rosemary, and bold spices.
Is this recipe inspired by Ruth's Chris Steak House?
Yes, this recipe is designed to bring the signature taste of Ruth's Chris Steak House barbecue shrimp into your home kitchen.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is calculated to serve 4 people.
What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of 16-20 count shrimp, which are large enough to stay juicy.
Should the shrimp be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be cleaned, peeled, and deveined before starting the sauté process.
What is Barbecue Butter?
It is a compound butter made by whipping butter with black pepper, cayenne, paprika, salt, garlic, rosemary, Worcestershire, and Tabasco.
What is the secret to a good Barbecue Butter texture?
The secret is to allow the butter to reach 70-80°F before whipping it on high speed for about 3 minutes until well blended.
How much Barbecue Butter does the recipe produce?
The initial preparation creates approximately 2.5 cups of seasoned barbecue butter.
How much of the prepared butter is used for the shrimp?
You should use 1 cup of the prepared cold Barbecue Butter for the final sauté, reserving the rest for other meals.
At what temperature should the butter be when added to the pan?
The butter should be cold (about 40°F) when stirred into the reduced wine sauce to create the proper emulsion.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine is recommended for the reduction phase to balance the richness of the butter.
How much garlic is needed for the butter?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of finely chopped garlic, which equals roughly 1/4 cup.
How long do I cook the shrimp on the first side?
Sauté the shrimp undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes on high heat until they begin to turn pink.
Why is it important not to overcrowd the pan?
Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and causes the shrimp to steam rather than sear; use two pans if necessary.
When do I add the green onions?
Add the chopped green onions after you have flipped the shrimp and reduced the heat to medium.
To what volume should the white wine be reduced?
The 1/2 cup of white wine should be simmered until it reduces to approximately 1/4 cup.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?
Cook them in the butter sauce for no more than 1.5 minutes and remove from heat as soon as they are fully cooked.
What is the recommended serving temperature for the bowls?
The dish is best served in preheated bowls at a temperature of 160°F to keep the butter sauce from breaking.
What should I serve as a side with this dish?
Crusty sourdough bread is highly recommended to soak up the leftover buttery barbecue sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a bold kick from black pepper, cayenne, and Tabasco, though the butter helps mellow the heat.
Can I use fresh rosemary?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of whole dried rosemary leaves, finely chopped, for concentrated flavor.
How long does it take to whip the butter?
Use a hand mixer on high speed for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture is well blended.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, the shrimp and sauce are naturally low in carbohydrates, provided you skip the sourdough bread.
What kind of oil is used for the initial sauté?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil, divided for the sautéing process.
What spices are included in the dry mix?
The mix includes black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt.
How do I store the extra Barbecue Butter?
The extra butter can be kept in a covered dish in the refrigerator for use in future meals.
Can I use smaller shrimp?
You can, but you must reduce the cooking time significantly to avoid overcooking them.
Does this recipe include water?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of water are added to the butter mixture to help the ingredients emulsify.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the optional sourdough bread.
Can I substitute the white wine?
A dry white wine is preferred, but chicken stock with a splash of lemon juice can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.