Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Zesty Lime Butter

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

Tender shrimp coated in a bold Cajun spice mix, grilled to perfection and finished with a vibrant lime butter sauce. This southern united states-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to evenly coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and charred at edges.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp grill, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from grill and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle the zesty lime butter over the shrimp and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Zesty Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 with Zesty Lime Butter?

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 with Zesty Lime Butter?

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 with Zesty Lime Butter 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 with Zesty Lime Butter?

Southern United States 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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