Ruth’s Chris Sizzling Barbecue Shrimp in Garlic Butter

This sizzling shrimp dish is rich, buttery, and packed with deep garlic flavor. Despite the name, it is not a sweet, smoky backyard barbecue recipe. Instead, it is a restaurant-style shrimp dish baked in a highly seasoned garlic butter sauce with a little heat, a little tang, and plenty of savory flavor. Served with warm bread to soak up the sauce, it makes an impressive dinner that still feels easy enough for a home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy, while the garlic butter sauce creates the signature sizzling finish that makes this dish so memorable. It feels special enough for guests but comes together fast enough for a weeknight meal. You also do not need complicated techniques to get great results. Everything bakes together in one dish, and the final sauce is perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on, heads removed, tails on
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• lemon wedges, for serving
• crusty bread, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry very well with paper towels. Place them in a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, then cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Remove the sauce from the heat.
5. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp and toss gently so the shrimp are coated well.
6. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
7. For a more dramatic sizzling finish, place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch closely so the butter does not burn.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
9. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and warm crusty bread for dipping into the buttery sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

A little extra lemon zest can brighten the sauce if you want a fresher finish. For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or red pepper flakes slightly. You can also add a pinch of onion powder for more savory depth. If you want an even richer sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter just before serving. Some people also enjoy serving this shrimp over angel hair pasta or white rice to turn it into a fuller meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp can overcook easily, reheating should be gentle. Warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals at reduced power. Avoid overheating, or the shrimp may become rubbery. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, add a small splash of water or a little butter while reheating.

FAQs

Why is it called barbecue shrimp if it is not grilled?

In this style of shrimp dish, the word barbecue refers more to the bold, seasoned, buttery flavor than to a traditional grilled barbecue method.

Can I use peeled shrimp?

Yes, but shell-on shrimp usually give the sauce more flavor and help protect the shrimp from overcooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so the sauce does not become watery.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a moderate kick from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or increase the heat.

What should I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread is the classic choice because it soaks up the sauce beautifully. Rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes also work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter sauce ahead and clean the shrimp in advance, but the dish is best baked right before serving.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

No. A regular baking dish works just as well as long as it is large enough to hold the shrimp in an even layer.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

They will turn pink and opaque, and their shape will curl slightly. Avoid cooking until they are tightly curled, which can mean they are overdone.

Can I add more garlic?

Yes. If you love a stronger garlic flavor, add 1 to 2 extra cloves.

Can I use this sauce with other seafood?

Yes. The same buttery sauce works nicely with scallops, fish fillets, or even lobster tails, though cooking times will vary.

Conclusion

Ruth’s Chris Sizzling Barbecue Shrimp in Garlic Butter is the kind of dish that tastes luxurious without being difficult to make. The combination of tender shrimp, melted butter, garlic, and warm spices creates a deeply savory meal that feels restaurant-worthy at home. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a special appetizer, it is a recipe that brings bold flavor and plenty of comfort to the table.

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