Cajun grilled shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that’s both smoky and spicy. Coated in a zesty Cajun seasoning blend, the shrimp are grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, charred morsels that are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or topping for salads and pastas, this recipe will elevate your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in under 20 minutes.
- Packed with bold Cajun flavors.
- Healthy, high in protein, and low in carbs.
- Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
- Easily customizable to suit your spice level preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and lemon wedges
Directions
- Prepare the shrimp: Clean and devein the shrimp if needed. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Marinate: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slightly charred edges.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a plate, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
Variations
- Adjust the heat: Add cayenne pepper for extra spice, or reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder taste.
- Alternative cooking methods: Pan-sear the shrimp if you don’t have a grill.
- Vegetable skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to make Cajun shrimp skewers.
- Herbaceous twist: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or oregano before grilling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
2. What can I serve with Cajun grilled shrimp?
It pairs well with rice, pasta, a green salad, or grilled vegetables.
3. How do I make my own Cajun seasoning?
Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt.
4. Can I cook these on a stovetop?
Yes, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet to sear the shrimp.
5. How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates lightly and ensure the shrimp are coated in oil before grilling.
6. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but grill them just long enough to heat through, as overcooking will make them rubbery.
7. What if I don’t have lemon juice?
Use lime juice or vinegar for a tangy substitute.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, but grill them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
9. How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl to their shape.
10. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Cajun grilled shrimp is a simple, delicious way to enjoy bold, smoky flavors in a healthy dish. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and bring a taste of the bayou to your table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Appetizer, Main Course
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Cajun, Southern
Description
Fire up your taste buds with this Cajun Grilled Shrimp recipe! Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp are coated in a bold Cajun spice blend and grilled to smoky perfection. A crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal as an appetizer, side, or main course, served with a creamy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the mixture until fully coated.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Remove from the grill.
- Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
- Serve:
- Garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred level of heat.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
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