Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Aioli

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

Tender shrimp marinated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection and served with a bright, tangy citrus aioli. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 28 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 180 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: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb large shrimp, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the citrus aioli by whisking together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp fresh lemon zest, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the shrimp onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with the chilled citrus aioli for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Aioli?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Aioli?

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 Citrus Aioli 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 Citrus Aioli?

Caribbean 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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