Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a spicy kick to tender shrimp. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for soaking up every bit of the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry and season evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and have a slight char. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over your choice of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the Cajun seasoning.
- If fresh garlic isn’t available, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, but fresh is best for flavor.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
- Serve over creamy grits for a Southern twist on this classic dish.
Storage
Store leftover Cajun shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and drying them out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and get a good sear.
What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?
This dish pairs nicely with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or creamy sides like mashed potatoes or grits to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
PrintCajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce recipe features succulent shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, pan-seared to perfection, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining, served best over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then evenly season them with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ensuring all sides are coated for optimal flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight char. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Combine shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce evenly to coat. Then, squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp to add brightness and balance the rich flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately over your choice of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- To enhance the spiciness, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before seasoning for the best sear.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor rather than bottled juice.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with salted butter but adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Serve promptly to enjoy shrimp at optimal tenderness and temperature.
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, Cajun seafood, shrimp skillet
