Six Minute Super Shrimp

2 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 7 m Total: 12 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Six Minute Super Shrimp
Mawmaw was told that this was the secret dish that wooed this happy lady into marriage. Fresh shrimp layered with Worcestershire, onions, garlic, and butter make this a famous and expensive New Orleans dish that you serve as-is with crusty French bread, using the juice with butter as the dip.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 1 lb fresh shrimp with or without heads
  • 2-3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced thinly
  • Season All seasoning mix to taste
  • 2-3 cloves crushed garlic (or more to taste)
  • 3 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start with the largest microwave-safe bowl that will fit in your microwave.
  2. Layer as many shrimp as you can (with or without the heads) in the bowl in a single layer. Try not to have any shrimp on top of each other. Sprinkle generously with Worcestershire sauce and layer the top of the shrimp with the sliced onion.
  3. Season generously with Season All seasoning mix - don’t be afraid to be generous.
  4. Add a nice amount of crushed garlic (your call but this is the part that makes the dish).
  5. Add the butter if using for extra richness.
  6. Cover tightly and cook on high for 3 minutes.
  7. Carefully check to make sure they are cooking evenly; stir if necessary.
  8. Cook another 3 to 3 1/2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Let sit for a couple of minutes and serve as-is with crusty French bread for dipping, or over pasta.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my shrimp rubbery?

A: Don't overcook them! Shrimp cook very quickly in the microwave. They're done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they'll become tough and rubbery.

Q: Can I cook more than a single layer?

A: It's best to stick with a single layer for even cooking. If you need to make more, do it in batches. Stacked shrimp won't cook evenly and some will be overcooked while others are undercooked.

Tips and Techniques

The garlic is what really makes this dish special, so don’t be shy with it. And covering the bowl tightly is crucial—it traps the steam and helps the shrimp cook evenly while keeping them tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Season All seasoning mix: Creole seasoning or Tony Chachere's
  • yellow or Vidalia onion: white or red onion
  • fresh shrimp: frozen shrimp, thawed

Equipment Needed

  • large microwave-safe bowl with lid or microwave-safe plate for covering

Historical Context

This recipe reflects the evolution of Louisiana cooking into the modern kitchen. While traditional New Orleans cooking relied on stovetops, resourceful cooks adapted classic flavor combinations to the convenience of microwave cooking without sacrificing the bold, garlicky taste.