If you love bold flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Southern comfort food, you are going to adore this Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe. It’s a vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy shrimp dish that perfectly balances rich buttery sauce with zesty lemon and just the right kick of cayenne. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers that authentic New Orleans flair right in your own kitchen. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, from the aromatic butter and garlic to the creamy richness of heavy cream and the subtle heat of cayenne pepper.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a rich, fragrant base to cook your shrimp and aromatics in.
- Onion (Chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Garlic (Minced): Brings warmth and a savory punch that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Swanson Chicken Stock: The broth that ties the sauce together with savory richness; vegetable stock works well too.
- Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and umami that partners beautifully with the spices.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a fresh zing that brightens the creamy sauce and balances the heat.
- Dried Thyme: Infuses subtle earthiness and herbaceous notes into the dish.
- Dried Basil: Adds herbaceous sweetness, enhancing the Southern flavor profile.
- Black Pepper: Gives a gentle warmth, tone it up with cayenne if you like extra spice.
- Cayenne Pepper: The star of the heat in this dish, providing that New Orleans-style kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a perfectly balanced taste.
- Horizon Organic Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious and velvety sauce; coconut cream is a great dairy-free option.
- McCormick Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet undertone that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
- Shrimp (deveined and peeled): The centerpiece—fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work beautifully here.
- Rice (Cooked): A simple, comforting bed for the shrimp and sauce; quinoa works as a gluten-free alternative.
- Tomato (Diced): Brings freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Spring Onion (Diced): Adds a hint of bite and freshness, perfect for garnishing and layering texture.
How to Make Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures you have the right temperature to cook the shrimp to that perfect pink and opaque finish, sealing in all the juicy flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
In a medium pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Let it bubble for a minute or two until fragrant—this will be your flavor powerhouse. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until they release their irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir these together and let the mixture simmer gently for three minutes so all the flavors get to know each other.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream slowly. Let it cook and reduce for about ten minutes, watching as it thickens into a rich, dreamy sauce that will coat every bite of shrimp with indulgent flavor.
Step 5: Season and Bake Your Shrimp
Mix the paprika with any leftover spices in a small bowl—it’s your secret blend for extra depth. Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp on a baking tray, then season both sides generously with your spice mix. Flip them once and brush with melted butter to keep them moist and shiny. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until each shrimp turns that beautiful pink and becomes perfectly opaque.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
Plate cooked rice in the center of each serving dish. Spoon the luscious New Orleans-style sauce around it, then crown the rice with the tender, spiced shrimp and sprinkle diced tomato and spring onion on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top for a bright herbal note. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add an extra splash of citrus that pairs so beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides like cornbread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complement this dish wonderfully. For a more substantial meal, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables work beautifully to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp and sauce over creamy grits or inside butter lettuce cups for a hands-on southern-inspired appetizer. You could also turn it into a hearty po’boy sandwich with crusty bread and a crisp slaw on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
While the cooked shrimp and creamy sauce freeze best separately, freezing the sauce in ice cube trays makes portioning easy. Thaw the shrimp carefully in the fridge overnight to maintain their texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to refresh the sauce’s texture if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the shrimp for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a satisfying vegetarian adaptation.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a noticeable but balanced heat thanks to cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, adding less for milder or more for a kick.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream works well if you want a dairy-free option, or you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, although that will change the richness slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free, and substitute rice with quinoa if preferred. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe is a delicious celebration of Southern flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with an easy yet impressive meal. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your own—you’re in for a real treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans, a creamy, spicy shrimp dish with a rich buttery sauce infused with herbs and spices, served over rice for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Butter and Aromatics
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.)
- 1 cup Onion, chopped (Can be replaced with shallots for milder flavor.)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Use garlic powder as a substitute if needed.)
Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1 cup Swanson Chicken Stock (Use vegetable stock for vegetarian version.)
- 2 tablespoons Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce (Gluten-free versions available.)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Lime juice can be used as an alternative.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Fresh thyme can be substituted, use about three times more.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (Fresh basil can replace dried basil.)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust cayenne to taste for spiciness.)
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt can be used for a different texture.)
- 1 cup Horizon Organic Heavy Cream (Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free version.)
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Paprika (Smoked paprika offers a different taste profile.)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, deveined and peeled (Fresh or frozen, ensure thawed.)
- 2 cups Rice, cooked (Quinoa can be substituted for a gluten-free option.)
- 1 cup Tomato, diced
- ½ cup Spring Onion, diced (Any fresh herbs can be substituted.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp to a perfect golden pink.
- Melt Butter: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter allowing it to bubble gently and become aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and translucent, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, then add dried thyme, basil, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes until the mixture is combined and slightly simmering.
- Simmer Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy and dreamy.
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika with any remaining spices to create a flavorful seasoning mix for the shrimp.
- Season and Bake Shrimp: Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp on a baking tray. Season them evenly with the prepared spice mix, flip them to coat both sides, and brush with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Plate the Dish: Serve by spooning cooked rice into the center of each plate, ladling the creamy sauce around the rice, and topping with the baked shrimp and diced tomatoes and spring onions for a fresh contrast and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make the sauce vegetarian.
- To make the dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and substitute quinoa for rice.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; use three times the amount when substituting thyme.
- Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter results.
