What if you could capture the flavor of a Southern seafood boil in just 15 minutes flat? Meet the Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp—a sizzling, bold, and buttery dish that redefines quick dinners.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, tossing it in pasta, or devouring it straight from the pan, this dish is bursting with smoky, spicy flavor and the richness of garlic butter. And yes—it’s the kind of weeknight wonder you’ll want to make again and again.
Let’s dive into this irresistible Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Rinse shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Lemon
Add remaining tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss shrimp to coat evenly in the buttery sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot!
Variations
- Creamy Cajun: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Grilled Version: Skewer the shrimp and grill instead of pan-frying.
- Cajun Pasta: Toss the shrimp into cooked linguine or fettuccine.
- Low-Sodium: Use a homemade Cajun blend with less salt.
Cooking Note
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them from heat as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the Cajun spice level to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine rice or creamy grits.
- Make it a taco filling with shredded lettuce and avocado.
- Pair with roasted veggies or a crisp garden salad.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to prevent overcooking.
- Not ideal for freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Timing
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Yield:
2 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories:
340 kcal
Protein:
28 g
Sodium:
710 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use ghee or avocado oil instead of butter for paleo-friendly versions.
- Serve with cauliflower rice to make it low-carb.
- Add steamed spinach or kale for extra greens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: Always remove once pink and curled.
- Skipping the dry pat: Wet shrimp won’t sear properly.
- Using too much salt: Cajun seasoning can be salty—taste as you go.
Conclusion
This Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is the definition of fiery flavor meets buttery comfort. It’s fast, simple, and totally crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just need a bold new dinner idea, this one’s a keeper. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your twist in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw and dry thoroughly before cooking.
Q: Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It has a kick, but you can choose mild versions or make your own blend.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
Rice, cornbread, or roasted corn on the cob are all delicious!
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter.
10-Minute Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp That Wows Every Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A quick, bold, and buttery dish packed with smoky Cajun flavor and fresh garlic. This Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or spicy seafood cravings!
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and slightly crisp on the edges.
4. Add remaining tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss shrimp to coat evenly in the buttery sauce.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot!
Notes
Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—just until pink and curled.
Adjust Cajun seasoning for your spice tolerance.
Serve with rice, grits, or veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Sear
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp, spicy shrimp, quick seafood recipes