Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred Garlic Butter

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

Succulent shrimp marinated in Cajun spices and grilled over wood fire, finished with a smoky charred garlic butter sauce. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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: 10 min Serves 4 Cajun cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until shrimp are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a wood-fired grill or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  5. Step 5: Remove butter from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Brush the garlic butter generously over the grilled shrimp before serving to infuse smoky, buttery flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred 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 Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred 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.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Cajun Shrimp with Charred Garlic Butter?

Cajun 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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