Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Gulf shrimp grilled over a wood fire and brushed with a rich, spicy Cajun butter sauce for a smoky, flavorful seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, 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: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 3 cloves minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and butter is infused with spices.
  2. Step 2: Remove the butter from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1 lb large Gulf shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a wood-fired grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Arrange shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: During the last minute of grilling, brush shrimp generously with the prepared Cajun butter sauce, allowing it to sizzle and caramelize slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining Cajun butter over the shrimp and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter 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 Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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 Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun 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 Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Butter?

Caribbean 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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