Description
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of Southern spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or addition to pasta, salads, and rice bowls. It offers a healthy, protein-packed meal with bold Cajun spices balanced by fresh lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Toss the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning so every bite bursts with flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while warm and fragrant. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for vibrant, fresh flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure an even sear and avoid steaming.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spice level according to preference.
- Use good quality butter for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Serve immediately to maintain shrimp tenderness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, quick seafood recipe, spicy shrimp, Southern cuisine, gluten free, low calorie seafood
