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Cajun Shrimp with Homemade Cajun Butter Recipe

3.8 from 54 reviews

This quick and flavorful Cajun Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp tossed in a homemade Cajun butter. Ready in just 10 minutes, it is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner with a bold, spicy punch that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, for rinsing
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

Cajun Butter

  • 2 tablespoons room temperature butter
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro or parsley leaves, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons homemade Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a colander and toss with ¼ teaspoon salt. Let them rest for 1 minute, then rinse under cold water and thoroughly pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Make flavored butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the finely minced garlic, chopped cilantro or parsley leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything well until fully incorporated and set aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer; a few may overlap but try to keep them mostly spread out. Cook for about 1 minute until the shrimp begin to turn pink around the edges.
  4. To finish: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the prepared Cajun butter to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the shrimp evenly in the butter mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are firm, opaque, and fully cooked through.

Notes

  • Use homemade Cajun seasoning for the best flavor, but a store-bought blend can be used—adjust salt accordingly.
  • Cajun butter can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Patting the shrimp very dry before cooking ensures a better sear and prevents them from steaming.
  • This recipe serves 4 and can be easily doubled if needed.

Keywords: Cajun Shrimp, Cajun Butter, Quick Shrimp Recipe, Spicy Shrimp, Homemade Cajun Seasoning, Easy Dinner, Seafood