Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp with bold Cajun spices and rich garlic butter for a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The shrimp are sautéed in a buttery blend of olive oil and garlic, then seasoned generously with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for a spicy and smoky kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Cooking Fat and Flavor
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Heat the fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oils are shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine the flavors with the garlic butter.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve immediately: Once cooked through, remove the shrimp from heat and serve hot, enjoying the rich, spicy garlic butter coating.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for best texture and flavor; thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
