Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Glaze

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

Tender shrimp marinated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection and finished with a bright citrus glaze for a flavorful seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 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 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat; marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp orange juice to make the citrus glaze.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, about 6-7 shrimp per skewer.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  6. Step 6: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  7. Step 7: During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp with the citrus glaze and cook for an additional 30 seconds per side until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Citrus Glaze?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Glaze?

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 Glaze 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 Glaze?

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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