Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices

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

Succulent Gulf shrimp pan-seared in a rich garlic butter sauce seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, perfect for a quick seafood dinner. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb Gulf shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss the shrimp with this spice blend until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add the spiced shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slightly crisp edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and toss gently to combine before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices?

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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spices?

Southern 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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