Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Smoky Paprika Aioli
Juicy shrimp marinated in a robust Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection and served with a smoky paprika aioli for dipping. This grilling ready in about 31 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 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.
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
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for aioli)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: 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 to coat evenly and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the shrimp onto skewers, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Step 3: While shrimp cooks, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and flavorful.
- Step 4: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot with the smoky paprika aioli on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Smoky Paprika Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 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 Smoky Paprika Aioli?
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 Smoky Paprika 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 Smoky Paprika 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 should I serve with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Smoky Paprika Aioli?
Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
