Cajun Shrimp 🔥🦐 Big Spice, Buttery Finish, and Full Flavor in Every Sear

Cajun Shrimp is a no-marinade, high-impact dish built for flavor and speed. Tossed in bold Cajun seasoning and pan-seared until golden and juicy, these shrimp are smoky, spicy, and rich with butter and garlic.

Serve them over rice, tuck them in tacos, or pile them on a po’boy — they’re flexible and full of fire.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or DIY — see below)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (or both)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt to taste (if needed)
• Optional: chopped parsley or scallions for garnish

Optional DIY Cajun Seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust for heat)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp very dry. Toss in Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Let sit while you heat the pan.

Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink, lightly charred, and just cooked through. Remove from heat.

Finish With Garlic & Lemon

Add minced garlic to the hot pan (add a little more butter if needed). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice, swirl to deglaze, and toss shrimp back in to coat.

Serve Hot

Sprinkle with parsley or scallions and serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add 1 tsp honey or maple for a sweet heat finish
• Use blackened seasoning for a deeper char
• Add sliced andouille sausage and bell peppers for a skillet dinner
• Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk to create a quick sauce

Serving Ideas

• Over dirty rice or creamy grits
• In tacos with slaw and chipotle mayo
• On a po’boy sandwich with remoulade
• Tossed with pasta and roasted veggies
• Bowl-style with greens, rice, and avocado

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook — shrimp are done when just pink and curled
• Use a cast iron skillet for maximum sear and flavor crust
• For extra char, leave shrimp undisturbed for a full minute before flipping
• Cajun spice blends vary — taste first and adjust salt accordingly

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp brings big flavor with zero drag — fast, smoky, buttery, and endlessly useful across meals. It’s shrimp that bites back, ready in minutes, and built to impress whether on rice, bread, or straight from the pan.

Sear fast. Spice bold. Finish buttery. 🔥🦐🍋

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.