Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon

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

A vibrant shrimp dish with a spicy Cajun seasoning sautéed in garlic butter, finished with fresh lemon juice for a bright, savory flavor. This american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp. Toss with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper 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 but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink with a slight char on edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon?

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 Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon 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.

Is Sautéed Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Lemon low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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