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Flavorful Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Marinade

grilled cajun shrimp skewers - featured image

These grilled Cajun shrimp skewers feature a spicy Cajun marinade balanced with a silky garlic butter glaze, delivering bold flavors and a quick, easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly. (2 minutes)
  3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well until every piece is coated. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. (10–15 minutes)
  4. While shrimp marinates, mix softened butter with minced garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. (5 minutes)
  5. Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the thickest parts to keep them secure. Leave space between each shrimp. (5 minutes)
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 205°C). Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)
  7. Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with garlic butter during the last 3 minutes. Shrimp should be opaque and firm but not rubbery. (6 minutes)
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. (2 minutes)
  9. Serve warm with extra garlic butter on the side or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before marinating to ensure a good sear. Marinate shrimp for no longer than 15 minutes to avoid toughness. Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use thicker or flat metal skewers to prevent shrimp from sliding off. Apply garlic butter glaze during the last minutes of grilling for moisture and flavor. Rest shrimp after grilling to keep them juicy. Avoid overcooking shrimp; aim for a loose ‘C’ curl.

Nutrition

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