Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe

Craving a taste of Louisiana with a movie-inspired twist? My Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe is a celebration of all things spicy, creamy, and comforting. If you’ve ever dined at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., you know their shrimp dishes are unforgettable. This homemade version captures that magic: buttery sautéed shrimp, a rich cream sauce with Creole seasonings, and the perfect amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras dinner, recreating your favorite movie meal, or just want a quick weeknight treat, this recipe delivers bold flavor in under an hour. Let’s dive right in!

Sauce Preparation

Creating the sauce is where the soul of this dish comes alive,  buttery, creamy, and packed with Creole flavor.

Sautéing the Aromatics

I start by melting three tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is sizzling, I add two tablespoons of chopped onion and two teaspoons of minced garlic. I sauté them for about a minute until they become fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Building the Flavor Base

Next, I pour in ⅓ cup of chicken stock and ¼ cup of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce. The combination adds a deep savory note that’s key to that Bubba Gump flavor. I stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt. These herbs and spices create that unmistakable New Orleans kick.

Adding the Creamy Finish

Finally, I stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer for about 10 minutes. As it bubbles, it thickens slightly and develops a rich, velvety texture. I keep the heat low to avoid curdling and stir occasionally until it’s luscious and smooth. Once done, I set the sauce aside while I prepare the shrimp.

Shrimp Preparation

This dish uses the bake-and-season method, which locks in flavor while keeping the shrimp tender.

Seasoning the Shrimp

In a small bowl, I combine two teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¾ teaspoon of black pepper, ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder, of  ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I place 500 grams of peeled and deveined shrimp on a baking tray, sprinkle half the seasoning over them, flip the shrimp, and season the other side.

Baking to Perfection

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, I brush the shrimp lightly with melted butter for extra richness. They bake for 7–8 minutes, just until they turn pink and slightly curled. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so I watch them closely.

Plating and Serving

This dish is all about presentation and that first “wow” moment when it hits the table.

Assembling the Plate

I start by spooning a generous mound of fluffy cooked rice into the center of each plate. Then, I carefully pour the creamy New Orleans sauce around the rice, letting it pool into a flavorful moat that’s perfect for dipping.

Next, I arrange the baked shrimp neatly on top of the rice. The vibrant pink shrimp against the white rice and rich sauce makes for a gorgeous contrast that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Adding the Finishing Touches

To give the plate a fresh pop of color and extra flavor, I sprinkle diced tomato and diced spring onion over the shrimp. This not only adds a touch of brightness but also balances the richness of the sauce with a little freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans recipe is best served immediately while the shrimp are still juicy and the sauce is warm and silky.

• Pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
  
• For a true Cajun experience, add a side of buttery corn on the cob or collard greens.
  
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer works beautifully to cut through the creamy richness.
  

Storage Instructions

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), Store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp or breaking the cream sauce.

Freezing Option

While fresh is always best, you can freeze the sauce and shrimp separately for up to 1 month. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and the sauce in a separate airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm the sauce on the stove and bake or sauté the shrimp before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning. This prevents excess moisture from diluting the flavors and helps the seasoning stick better.

2. How spicy is Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans style?

This recipe has a gentle kick from cayenne pepper and paprika. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne. For extra heat, add a pinch more.

3. What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but jasmine or basmati rice also works beautifully. You can even serve it over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before serving, and prepare the shrimp fresh for the best texture.

5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Keep in mind, the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

6. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly; they’re done when they turn pink and opaque with a gentle “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape and become rubbery.

7. Can I grill the shrimp instead of baking?

Yes! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just season the shrimp as directed, skewer them, and grill for about 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Conclusion

Making this Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans Recipe at home is like bringing the flavors of Bourbon Street right into your kitchen. From the buttery, creamy sauce to the perfectly seasoned shrimp, every bite is a little taste of the Big Easy.

The magic lies in the balance, the smoky paprika, the gentle heat of cayenne, the freshness of lemon juice, and the richness of heavy cream all dance together in harmony. Serve it over rice with a sprinkle of fresh toppings, and you’ve got a dish that’s hearty enough for a family dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

So grab your ingredients, turn up some jazz, and let your kitchen be filled with the aromas of New Orleans. One bite, and you’ll understand why Bubba Gump Shrimp is a timeless favorite.