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THE BEST CAJUN SHRIMP centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

The Best Cajun Shrimp Recipe Youll Love to Make

This easy 10 minute cajun shrimp dish features succulent shrimp tossed in a flavorful homemade cajun butter. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal, this best cajun shrimp recipe delivers a delicious spicy kick with just the right balance of herbs and garlic. Enjoy it on its own or as part of a creamy cajun shrimp pasta or a spicy cajun shrimp skillet dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 164
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (450g)
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 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 see tips
  • Salt as needed

Method
 

  1. Start by sprinkling ¼ teaspoon of salt over the shrimp in a colander and let them rest for 1 minute. Then rinse off the salt and thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Next, mix together the butter, garlic, chopped cilantro or parsley, and the cajun seasoning until fully combined. Keep this flavorful butter ready for cooking.
  3. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer—even if some overlap slightly. Cook them for about 1 minute until they just start to turn pink.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the spiced butter mixture to the pan. Stir the shrimp gently but continuously, coating them well with the seasoned butter. Keep cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked, firm, and opaque throughout.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use homemade cajun seasoning as described in the tips. Store any leftover cajun butter in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for longer. Adjust salt if using store-bought cajun seasoning as salt levels can vary.