Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole Butter Sauce

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

Tender shrimp marinated in bold Cajun spices, chargrilled and served with a rich Creole butter sauce that brings a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. This seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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 280 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tsp salt until evenly coated. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and have grill marks, then remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup each of diced green bell pepper, onion, and celery to the butter and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly, then add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Pour the Creole butter sauce over the grilled shrimp and serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole 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 Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole 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 Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole 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 Chargrilled Cajun Shrimp with Creole 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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