Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp grilled over charcoal and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce for a smoky, flavorful seafood dish. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl until evenly coated. Thread shrimp onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, about 6-7 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 2: Prepare a charcoal grill and wait until the coals are covered with white ash, indicating medium-high heat (around 425°F).
- Step 3: Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and have a slight char.
- Step 4: While shrimp cook, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Remove butter from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Remove shrimp from grill and immediately brush generously with the warm garlic butter sauce before serving for extra richness and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter 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 Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter?
Southern American 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.
