Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad

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

Juicy shrimp tossed in bold Cajun spices, grilled to perfection and served alongside a fresh, tangy charred corn salad bursting with summer flavors. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 270 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a large bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 ears of husked corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until kernels are charred and tender. Remove corn and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Cut the charred kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife into a medium bowl. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with grill marks. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled Cajun shrimp skewers alongside the charred corn salad for a vibrant, smoky summer meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

Caribbean grilling 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.

Related recipes