Kentucky BBQ Shrimp & Fava Bean Relish

Mar 03, 2026

Kentucky BBQ Shrimp & Fava Bean Relish (AVG,AVM,Soy)

Experience the bold Southern flavors of the 2026 Kentucky Derby with this official Kentucky BBQ Shrimp and Fava Bean Relish, served onsite at Churchill Downs. Large sautéed shrimp are seasoned with smoked paprika, then finished in a rich Kentucky BBQ butter sauce made with bourbon, sorghum, Worcestershire, garlic, and a touch of cayenne for signature Derby Day depth.

The shrimp are served in shallow bowls with plenty of warm bourbon butter sauce and topped with a bright fava bean relish featuring fresh tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, mint, and parsley. This vibrant combination balances richness with freshness, creating a standout seafood dish worthy of the Kentucky Derby menu.

Perfect for a Kentucky Derby party, Kentucky Oaks celebration, or elevated Derby Day dinner, this Kentucky BBQ shrimp recipe brings together tradition, hospitality, and unmistakable Bluegrass flavor.

Download the recipe card (PDF) >

Ingredients

Shrimp

• 3 lbs large shrimp (13/15), peeled & deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Kentucky BBQ Butter Sauce

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp sorghum
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt to taste

Method

1.        Melt butter over medium heat.

2.        Add shallot & garlic, cook 2 minutes.

3.        Add paprika, cayenne.

4.        Deglaze with bourbon (reduce 1–2 minutes).

5.        Add Worcestershire, lemon, sorghum.

6.        Simmer 3–4 minutes.

7.        Finish with parsley.

Fava Bean Relish

• 2 cups shelled fava beans
• 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
• ½ cup diced English cucumber
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped mint
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt & cracked pepper

Method

1. Blanch fava beans 3 minutes.

2. Shock in ice water.

3. Peel outer skin if large.

4. Toss with cucumber, onion, olive oil, lemon, herbs, salt.

5. Chill.

Preparation:

1.        Toss shrimp with oil, salt, pepper, paprika.

2.        Sauté in large skillet 2 minutes per side.

3.        Pour BBQ butter over shrimp.

4.        Simmer 1–2 minutes.

5.        Serve shrimp in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce and spoon fava relish over the top.

AVG = Avoiding Gluten 

AVM = Avoiding Milk 

Soy = Contains Soy