Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Gulf shrimp char-grilled and served with a rich, spicy Cajun butter sauce inspired by New Orleans flavors. This seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends Gulf 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb Gulf shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat (about 450°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers to prevent curling.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred on edges; remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, cooking for another 30 seconds until the sauce is aromatic.
  6. Step 6: Plate shrimp and drizzle the Cajun butter sauce over them while hot. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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 Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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 Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter Sauce?

Seafood seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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