Best Ever Homemade Bubba Gump Shrimp Recipe

Recreate one of the signature dishes at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is, of course, the Bubba Gump Shrimp. While this recipe may have been inspired by the movie Forest Grump, I know you are going to love this menu item.

This dish features tender, succulent shrimp that are sautéed in a garlic butter sauce and served with jasmine rice. Shrimp lovers will rejoice when you recreate this American classic for dinner.

overhead view of copycat Bubba Gump shrimp in a skillet.


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Why is Spicy Cajun Barbecue Shrimp so good?

When you hear barbecue shrimp, you might think it is cooked on a barbeque grill. It is known for its bold and spicy flavors. This is a dish that is a famous shrimp dish from New Orleans. The restaurant Pascale Manale is believed to have created this dish.

If you want to enjoy a meal with seafood lovers, I highly recommend going to that restaurant. Their barbeque shrimp features a wonderful spicy New Orleans sauce that is irresistible.

The shrimp used in this dish are typically large, head-on shrimp that are sautéed with a blend of spices, including garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. The butter sauce is then added to the pan, along with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and some fresh lemon juice, which helps balance the heat and adds a tangy note to the dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s Shrimp is a succulent and flavorful dish that is both spicy and buttery. The dish is often served with crusty French bread or rice to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Barbecue shrimp is a popular dish in many New Orleans restaurants and is often served as an appetizer or main course.

Forest Gump Shrimp Ingredients

Here’s what you need:

  • Butter
  • Oregano
  • Garlic
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Large shrimp
Bubba Gump shrimp ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations for Shrimp Cajun Style

  • Substitute cayenne pepper with pre-made Cajun seasoning.
  • Add parsley and thyme for more herbal flavors.
  • Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for additional depth of flavor.
  • I have to mention my favorite shrimp seasoning; my favorite is Paul Prudhommes Shrimp Magic
  • Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for extra lemony flavor.
  • Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
  • Add a tablespoon of chopped white onions to the sauce for extra flavor; not part of their recipe, but it’s pretty tasty.

How to Make Bubba Gump Cajun Shrimp

There isn’t much preparation time involved. The most time-consuming task would be peeling and deveining shrimp, but you can eliminate that by buying shrimp already peeled and deveined.

Here are the simple recipe steps for this shrimp preparation:

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Rinse and drain on paper towels.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat on the stove.
  3. Add all spice ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Cook until hot but not smoking.
  5. Add shrimp to the pan and stir occasionally.
  6. Simmer until shrimp turn pink and are just done about 5 minutes.
  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if desired.
  8. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a large bowl and serve with lemon wedges.
overhead view of copycat Bubba Gump shrimp in a skillet.

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp

A fresh baguette, toasted bread, especially sourdough, is great for sopping up all the buttery sauce. It’s a little bit of heaven!

You can complete the meal with steamed or your favorite type of rice, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable such as air-fried broccoli or grilled corn on the cob.

copycat Bubba Gump shrimp in an oval skillet.

How to Store Leftover Cajun Style Shrimp

You should store any leftover Cajun style shrimp in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days.

How to Reheat Bubba Gump Shrimp

I like to reheat this by placing the leftover shrimp and sauce into a saucepan and heating it on low heat until warmed through. I find when I reheat this in the microwave the butter spatters and it the shrimp can overcook.

Love Cajun and Creole food? Check out these favorites

Delicious Shrimp Recipes

Be sure to take a look at more of my easy seafood recipes and the best casual dining restaurant copycat recipes.

Thanks to Kachurr50 for sharing this shrimp recipe.

overhead view of copycat Bubba Gump shrimp in a skillet.

Bubba Gump Shrimp

Make delicious barbecue shrimp also known as spicy Cajun shrimp, a New Orleans favorite.
4.50 from 28 votes
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Course: Seafood
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: Bubba Gump Shrimp, Keto, Low Carb
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 218kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 24 pieces large shrimp

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the shrimp into a large skillet.
  • Cook on medium heat until the butter is melted and hot.
  • Add shrimp and stir occasionally. Cook until the shrimp are pink and just done, about 5 minutes.

Video

Notes

Serve with 2 slices of toasted sourdough or other good bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.6mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kevin

    5 stars
    I like this recipe as more of a base. I usually add some diced onion before the garlic and then at least a can of diced tomatoes (depending on preference) in shortly after the garlic. Give it a little time to simmer before adding the shrimp.

    • Richard

      4 stars
      Try using shell-on shrimp, the flavor really comes out!

      The best flavors from shrimp come from the shell! Don’t be lazy, just use de-headed shrimp in the shells and the flavor will pop! Besides, much of the fun in eating shrimp is in the dirty hands while conversing with friends and drinking a few brews! Give it a try!

  2. BG

    Haven’t tried the flavor or texture, worked for Bubba Gump for several years in high rank position, does not look like our prep. It could work tho….

  3. Ronnie

    1 star
    Terrible. Followed instructions! My husband will eat anything I cook. He didn’t like this at all! Awful! Sorry.

  4. Sadie

    5 stars
    I know you posted this recipe several years ago, but I just found it through Pinterest last night and made it today. It is AMAZING! I served it over angel hair pasta and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  5. Suzanne

    5 stars
    I use the Costco peeled shrimp package!! Butter, minced garlic and the rest of the herbs and spices. Turns out awesome every time!! And so fast!! Easy least recipe and delicious!!

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