How to cook Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce in 15 m
Whip up the best Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce! This easy, spicy recipe is a quick and savory 20-minute dinner. Discover how.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning use more or less to your taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 5 cloves garlic finely minced
- ΒΌ cup chicken broth or dry white wine optional, for extra sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Add the Cajun seasoning and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it's melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
- If using, pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring each shrimp is coated in the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, over pasta, or with a side of rice.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over creamy grits, pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Spice Level: The heat comes from the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. To avoid a rubbery texture, remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
