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A quick and flavorful shrimp dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with Cajun spices, offering a spicy, buttery, and zesty experience perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If shrimp are frozen, thaw fully by soaking in cold water for 15–20 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the spice mix.
  3. Toss shrimp with the spice mix and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to marinate, if time allows (optional).
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  5. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  6. Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and sprinkle additional spice mix over them.
  7. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, turning gently; cook in batches if necessary.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and toss gently to combine.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp as garnish.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Optional additions include cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers added to the skillet with the shrimp., Optional stir-ins near end of cooking include Worcestershire sauce or heavy cream for a richer sauce., To reduce heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper; hot sauce can be served on the side., Use fresh garlic and good-quality shrimp for best flavor., Marinating shrimp in spice mixture prior to cooking improves flavor., Variations include serving over rice, pasta, tacos with slaw, or on a fresh salad., Recycle the garlic butter sauce by serving with crusty bread for mopping., Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 2 days; gentle reheating recommended to maintain shrimp tenderness.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 pound shrimp with sauce per serving
  • Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
  • Fat: Approximately 18 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams per serving
  • Protein: About 20 grams per serving