Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Aioli
Juicy shrimp marinated in bold Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, served with a zesty lemon aioli. This caribbean-inspired 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 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare lemon aioli by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp minced garlic in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Thread marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and edges get slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill and serve immediately with chilled lemon aioli for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Lemon 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 Lemon 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 Lemon 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 Lemon 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.
