Grilled Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce
Succulent shrimp grilled to smoky perfection and coated in a bold Cajun garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends pound 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 280 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 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, turning once.
- Step 3: While shrimp grill, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Toss grilled shrimp in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Serve immediately with extra parsley garnish and lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce?
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 Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce?
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 Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce 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 Shrimp Tossed in Spicy Cajun Garlic Sauce?
Cajun 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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