Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp cooked in a bold Cajun-spiced butter sauce with garlic and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 17 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 210 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the edges turn pink and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook an additional 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the shrimp before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce?

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 Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Cajun Butter Sauce 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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