Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. The shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning, then seared to perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish comes together in minutes, making it an excellent choice for any seafood lover looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cajun shrimp is an irresistible dish that combines heat, richness, and freshness in every bite. The combination of spices, butter, and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with buttery garlic sauce.
Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the takeout and enjoy a gourmet-style meal in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply love shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of spice and butter makes every bite rich and satisfying, while fresh herbs add a touch of brightness to the dish.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create an unforgettable taste.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: A blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper adds the perfect amount of spice.
Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty balance to the rich butter sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp while keeping them juicy and flavorful.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

This dish comes together quickly in just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal.

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, follow these simple steps to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the shrimp rubbery.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp

To make sure your Cajun shrimp turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
Serve with the Right Sides: This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or even a simple green salad.

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce, and make it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce are an easy, flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. The shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning, then pan-seared and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Serve them over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Pat shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce, and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.