Seared Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

Juicy shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices and seared to perfection, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs olive oil, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves 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.

Ingredients

• 16 peeled and deveined (about 12 oz) large shrimp
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 16 large peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sear for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp from skillet.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Return shrimp to skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for 1 minute. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.