Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lime Aioli
Juicy shrimp marinated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty lime aioli for dipping. This Caribbean-inspired seafood recipe (low carb), ready in about 50 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 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 6 wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb large shrimp, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the lime aioli by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers, about 6 shrimp per skewer. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, flipping once carefully.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with the chilled lime aioli for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lime Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Lime Aioli?
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 Lime 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 Lime 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.
Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Lime Aioli low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
