Savor the bold flavors of the South with this irresistible Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce. This dish features plump, juicy shrimp coated in a rich and flavorful Cajun seasoning, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a seafood feast, this recipe is sure to impress with its spicy, buttery goodness.

Bold and Spicy Cajun Shrimp

Cajun shrimp is known for its deep, smoky flavors combined with a touch of heat. This recipe balances those bold Cajun spices with the richness of a buttery garlic sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Perfectly Seasoned Shrimp – The shrimp are generously coated with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every bite bursts with bold flavors.
Rich Garlic Butter Sauce – The creamy butter sauce, infused with fresh garlic, enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and adds a comforting depth.
Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute appetizer.

Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. However you enjoy it, this Cajun shrimp dish will become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need a handful of simple yet bold ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering a rich, spicy, and buttery shrimp experience.

Shrimp – Use large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on for added flavor. Fresh or frozen shrimp will work, but if using frozen, make sure they are properly thawed before cooking.
Cajun Seasoning – A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and herbs that give the shrimp their signature bold and smoky taste.
Butter – The base of the rich garlic butter sauce, adding a creamy and velvety texture to the dish.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with its irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
Lemon Juice – A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter.
Olive Oil – Helps coat the shrimp evenly with seasoning and ensures a beautiful sear when cooked.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Cooking Cajun shrimp is a quick and easy process, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Follow these simple steps to bring out the best flavors:

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. Ensure they are well coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly golden on the edges. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery when overdone. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir well.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!

How Long to Cook Cajun Shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly, so keeping an eye on them is key to achieving the perfect texture. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, while undercooked shrimp remain translucent. Here’s a general guideline for cooking times:

Medium Shrimp (41-50 count per pound): 1-2 minutes per side
Large Shrimp (31-40 count per pound): 2-3 minutes per side
Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 count per pound): 3-4 minutes per side

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store and reheat them for later use while maintaining their flavor and texture.

Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to maintain moisture.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp

Follow these expert tips to make sure your Cajun shrimp turn out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking.
Pat Dry Before Cooking: Moisture prevents a good sear. Use paper towels to pat shrimp dry before seasoning.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
Add Extra Flavor: Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter sauce for a deeper taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version without cayenne pepper. You can also balance the spice with an extra drizzle of honey or a splash of cream.

2. What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?
This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While fresh shrimp is best, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Simply toss them in the garlic butter sauce and heat them briefly, as overcooking will make them rubbery.

4. How do I make this dairy-free?
Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a lighter version of this dish.

Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Author: Sally Thompson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is a bold, flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a smoky Cajun seasoning and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served over rice or pasta, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Season the Shrimp – In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
Heat the Pan – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the Shrimp – Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Everything – Return the shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.
Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!