Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
Succulent shrimp coated in Cajun spices, sautéed and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce that highlights Louisiana flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large shrimp and toss with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight char.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, then return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat shrimp in garlic butter sauce and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
