Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp

Bold, Buttery, and Packed with Southern Charm

If there’s one thing Bubba Gump got right, it’s that shrimp deserves the spotlight—and this dish proves it. Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp is the kind of recipe that brings restaurant-worthy flavor straight to your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients. Picture juicy shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, kissed with Cajun spice, and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and totally irresistible.

This dish is perfect for shrimp lovers (and even skeptics—you might just convert a few), and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or pile it over rice or pasta for a complete, flavor-packed meal. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp

Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a party favorite.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and frozen or fresh shrimp—no fancy seafood market required.
Quick and Easy: Fast enough for a weeknight but tasty enough for a special occasion.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, switch up the herbs, or add a splash of wine or cream for extra richness.
Crowd-Pleasing: Bold flavors and juicy shrimp mean this dish never lasts long on the table.

Ingredients in Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp

Here’s what brings this shrimp dish to life:

Protein

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best for soaking up all that sauce.

Flavor Base

Butter: Rich and indulgent, butter is key to creating that velvety, flavorful sauce.
Garlic: A must-have—adds depth, aroma, and classic flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to build a savory base.

Seasoning & Heat

Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bold, smoky, slightly spicy kick that gives this shrimp its signature flair.
Paprika: For color and a mild, earthy depth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Kick up the heat if you like it spicy.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for balance.

Finishing Touches

Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
Parsley: A fresh, herbaceous finish that adds color and flavor.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.

Combine Ingredients

In the skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Once the onion and garlic are soft, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat everything in the spices.

Assemble the Dish

Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the seasoned butter mixture. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on their size.

Cook to Perfection

Be careful not to overcook! Shrimp cook fast and can get rubbery if left too long. Once done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and give everything a final stir.

Finishing Touches

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Add a little more melted butter or an extra squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling indulgent.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, straight from the skillet. Don’t forget some crusty bread or rice to soak up every drop of that garlicky butter sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 300 (depending on serving size and butter amount)

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp

This dish is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Crusty Bread: For soaking up the sauce—this is a must.
Steamed Rice: A perfect base to catch all that flavor.
Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or fettuccine.
Grilled Veggies: A lighter side that balances the richness.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Both work—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp—they cook fast and should be just opaque.
Add White Wine: For a fancy touch, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the shrimp.
Boost the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A1: You can, but the flavor won’t be as intense. If using pre-cooked shrimp, just heat them through in the sauce at the end.

Q2: What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
A2: Medium to large shrimp (31–40 per pound) are ideal—they cook quickly and soak up the sauce well.

Q3: Can I make it less spicy?
A3: Absolutely! Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and opt for a mild Cajun seasoning.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: You can substitute butter with olive oil, but you’ll lose some of the richness.

Q5: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A5: Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra liquid.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: For sure—just use a large enough skillet or cook the shrimp in batches.

Q7: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
A7: Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Q8: How long does it keep?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

Q9: Can I add vegetables?
A9: Definitely—try adding bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is secretly super simple. It’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a weeknight win. With bold Cajun spice, buttery garlic goodness, and juicy shrimp in every bite, this is one recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Dig in—you’re going to love it!

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