Spicy, buttery, and packed with bold flavors, Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect dish for seafood lovers. The shrimp are seared to perfection, locking in their natural sweetness while absorbing the deep, smoky spice of Cajun seasoning. The garlic butter sauce coats every bite with a rich, velvety finish that makes this dish irresistible.

Whether served over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this recipe is a surefire way to impress. It’s quick and easy to make, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or even a special occasion meal. The balance of heat from the Cajun spice and the smoothness of butter creates a dish that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and slightly golden. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let everything cook for another minute to blend the flavors.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce, place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or water to prevent drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp may become rubbery after thawing.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~280
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: ~750mg (varies by Cajun seasoning)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve with Cajun Shrimp?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the Cajun seasoning used. Add more red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—overcooking makes them tough. About 2 minutes per side is perfect.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s not ideal, but you can. Just warm them in the garlic butter sauce for a minute—avoid overcooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep by seasoning the shrimp in advance and refrigerating until ready to cook.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper.