Hey there! I’m super excited to share my favorite Cajun shrimp recipe with y’all today. After trying countless variations and experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve finally perfected this dish that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s dive right in!
What Makes Cajun Shrimp So Special?
Before we jump into the cooking process, lemme tell you why this dish is absolutely amazing. Cajun shrimp combines the perfect balance of butter, garlic, and spicy seasonings that create an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4-6 servings. gather these ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh shrimp
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (1½ cups)
- 1 whole head of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 fresh lemon
- Optional add-ins:
- Corn on the cob
- Sausage
Kitchen Tools Required
- Large pot for boiling
- Large pan or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Clean and devein your shrimp if needed
- Bring a pot of water to boil
- Quarter the lemon
- Add shrimp and lemon quarters to boiling water
- Cook until shrimp turn orange (about 3-4 minutes)
- Drain and set aside
2. Make the Cajun Sauce
-
In your mixing bowl, combine:
- Paprika
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Mix well and set aside
-
In your large pan or wok
- Melt butter over low heat
- Add chopped garlic
- Sauté until garlic becomes translucent
- Add your seasoning mixture
- Cook for 3 minutes while stirring
- Add hot sauce and sugar
- Simmer for another 3 minutes
3. Bring It All Together
- Add your cooked shrimp to the sauce
- If using, add corn and sausage
- Stir everything together until well-coated
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
-
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp!They’ll get tough and rubbery. When they curl into a loose “C” shape they’re perfect.
-
Sauce Storage Hack
Got leftover sauce? Save it! It works great for future batches or even with crab. -
Spice Level Control
Start with less hot sauce – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this dish with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fresh crusty bread
- Cold beer (hey, it’s perfect!)
- Plenty of napkins – it’s gonna get messy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using old spices (they lose flavor over time)
- Cooking shrimp too long
- Having the heat too high when making the sauce
- Not having enough butter (it’s crucial for the sauce)
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty variations:
- Grilled Version: Cook shrimp on the grill first, then toss in sauce
- Low-Carb Style: Serve over cauliflower rice
- Extra Seafood: Add scallops or crawfish
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some bell peppers and onions
Make It Ahead
If you’re planning a party or busy weeknight, you can:
- Mix the seasoning blend in advance
- Prep garlic ahead of time
- Clean and devein shrimp the day before
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors build. The butter-based sauce carries all those amazing seasonings, while the garlic adds depth. The touch of sugar balances the heat perfectly, and the lemon adds brightness that makes everything pop!
Look, I ain’t gonna lie – your kitchen’s gonna smell amazing, and your family’s gonna think you’ve been taking secret chef lessons. This recipe is seriously that good!
Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. As long as you follow these basic steps, you’re gonna end up with something totally delicious! Happy cooking!
ð Instructions 6 steps1
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, until pink and slightly charred. 3
Flip the shrimp and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is fully cooked and opaque. 4
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. 5
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley. 6
Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread for a main dish. â¡
| Calories | 963 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value* | |||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 948 mg | 316% | |
| Sodium | 6019 mg | 262% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 110.3 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 224 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1361 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
ð¡
Best Cajun Shrimp Recipe
FAQ
What spices are in cajun shrimp?
Combine paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a sealable plastic bag; shake to mix. Add shrimp and shake to coat.
How to boil shrimp cajun style on the stove?
- Place the water in a large stock pot. …
- Add the crawfish seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic to the water. …
- Once the pot comes to a boil, add the potatoes. …
- Next add the corn and sausage to the pot. …
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
What is the tastiest way to cook shrimp?
What goes with cajun shrimp?
Cajun shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, pasta, vegetables, and salads. For a classic pairing, consider serving it with rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime). You can also turn it into a pasta dish with your favorite pasta shape. Vegetables like roasted potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus are excellent choices, and a simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast.