Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp coated in bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, cajun seasoning, unsalted butter 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 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 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, then toss with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving until edges turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through, then remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and butter is melted.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then return shrimp to the skillet to coat them in the garlic butter sauce for 30 seconds.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with extra parsley garnish if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter?

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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter?

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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter 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 Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter gluten free?

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

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