Cajun 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
Scale
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
