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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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