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This Grilled Cajun Shrimp recipe comes together quickly with a zesty marinade and quick cooking time, leaving you with a flavorful and easy shrimp dinner that delivers big flavor with just a little effort. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend BBQ to entertain with.
Grilled Cajun Shrimp are perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a busy weeknight – basically, any time you need a fast, flavorful, healthy meal. It’s also great for meal prep, as the shrimp can be marinated and cooked ahead of time since they reheat well.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Recipe
- It’s nutritious. Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, making this dish a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooks in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or as part of a larger spread; these shrimp are incredibly versatile and always delicious.
Cajun Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined large shrimp with tails on for the best results and easiest cooking. You can use smaller shrimp, but will need to adjust the cooking time.
- Marinade wet ingredients: The base of the marinade is a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice, but you can sub in any neutral oil or citrus juice for a different taste.
- Seasonings: Combine minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper to spice up the marinade. You can substitute another seasoning blend or make your own Cajun mixture by combining 2 parts smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder with one part each of ground pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme.
- Skewers: Metal or soaked wooden skewers will hold the shrimp, making them easy to turn and handle on the grill.
- Garnish: Top the cooked shrimp with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How To Make Grilled Cajun Shrimp
Tips To Make The Best Cajun Shrimp
- Marinate Well: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the shrimp to get a nice char and prevent sticking.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers work well too.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Rest After Grilling: Let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp can be served with many side dishes to make it even more filling. Some choices include:
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white Vermicelli Rice, or brown rice.
- Potatoes: Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, Honey Chili Potatoes, Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
- Salad: A fresh green House Salad or Coleslaw to balance the spicy shrimp.
- Mixed Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, and potatoes make an excellent side dish.
- Dipping Sauce: A creamy remoulade or aioli to add a cool contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven: Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, and cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Stovetop: Cook the shrimp in a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery.
ou can marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.
The heat level can vary, but it typically has a moderate kick. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
Storing: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
More Cajun Recipes
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Baked Garlic Butter Cajun Cod
- Creamy Cajun Salmon
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese
Our Grilled Cajun Shrimp recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold spices and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and add a delicious touch of Cajun flair to your next meal!
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Grilled Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails ON
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasonings
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
- Clean and pat dry the shrimp with a kitchen towel, then set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the shrimp marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a fork.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Once done, serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinate Well: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers work well too.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Rest After Grilling: Let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
