New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp

 New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (and Grit Cakes)

First of all, BBQ shrimp does NOT have a traditional BBQ flavor. At. All. Why is it called BBQ? No clue, but it is. The flavor comes from the butter/garlic/lemon/Worcestershire mixture that the shrimp are cooked in. I recommend doubling the sauce so that you have plenty to dip your bread in or pour over grits!

Preparation Tip: Prep your grits and get them cooling in the refrigerator before you start. Get your top ingredients prepared and in the pan ready to set to a boil. Cut the butter and put it back in the fridge. Cut your lemons and any other prep. Set the oven to warm. Make the grit cakes and keep them warm in the oven. Turn on your bread to toast if you toast it. THEN, start cooking. The shrimp cook quickly- 5-8 min total. This way, when your shrimp are done, they'll be ready to serve with your bread and grit cakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup dark/amber beer 
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning*
• 1 TBS coarsely cracked black pepper
• 1 TSP ground pepper
• Several dashes of hot sauce, to taste

• 2 lbs large shrimp (16-20 count or bigger) HEAD-ON
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
• salt, to taste4 Green Onions
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• Crusty French bread, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all top ingredients to your large skillet/Saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp and lemon wheels, toss to coat, then cover and cook until pink.
3. Remove the lid, turn the stove to simmer, and add the lemon juice,. Add the cubed butter. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted. Season more to taste.
4. Sprinkle w parsley and green onions before serving
5. Serve with French bread or grits. Grit Cakes Below:

GRIT CAKES

INGREDIENTS

• Your preferred grits
• Cheese
• Butter
• Cajun Seasoning or S&P
• Frying oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make grits according to package instructions

2. While still hot, add the following to taste:

    -Cheese (Gouda, Colby Jack, Parmesan....whatever you have on hand)

    -A little butter

    - Cajun Seasoning OR salt & pepper

3. Pour in a greased dish (or line dish with saran wrap)  that will create about a 1-inch layer of grits

4. Refrigerate until set (about 30 min or so)

5. Remove the giant grit cake from the dish and cut it into portions

6. Coat lightly with flour

7. Fry in med-hot oil until lightly browned on both sides. Place on a plate w paper towels to drain.