Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Gulf shrimp marinated in a spicy Cajun blend, grilled over high heat for a smoky char and served with a tangy lemon butter sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs Gulf 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 210 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: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb Gulf shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat (about 450°F). Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from grill, drizzle with lemon butter sauce, and serve immediately for a smoky, spicy seafood delight.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Spices take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 Wood-Fired Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Spices?

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 Grilled Gulf Shrimp with Cajun Spices?

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 Spices 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 Spices?

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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