Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cajun-Spiced Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-06-30

Succulent Gulf shrimp pan-seared and finished with a rich Cajun-spiced butter sauce, perfect for a quick seafood dinner. This Southern-inspired seafood recipe (low carb), ready in about 16 minutes, pairs Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, olive oil 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 Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun seasoning.
2. Step 2: Pat dry 1 lb Gulf shrimp and toss them in the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred.
4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter along with 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 2 minutes, spooning the melted butter and garlic over the shrimp to infuse flavor.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, tossing the shrimp gently to coat in the butter sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with a sprinkle of additional parsley if desired.