If you are craving something bursting with bold flavors and ready in under 20 minutes, then this Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly seasoned shrimp get a luscious coating of zesty lemon garlic butter while a tangy remoulade adds a delightful kick to every bite. This dish is vibrant, comforting, and ideal for sharing any night of the week — yes, it’s that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe fool you! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and creating that irresistible texture and color that make this dish truly shine.
- 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on: Using large shrimp ensures a juicy, satisfying bite with every mouthful.
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This smoky and spicy blend is the heart of the dish, adding vibrant southern flair.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter brings a rich and silky mouthfeel that perfectly balances the spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear while keeping shrimp tender.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Extra butter is used for the luscious lemon garlic sauce that envelops the shrimp in flavor.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter sauce with aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Parsley adds fresh herbal brightness and a pop of color.
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lemon juice brings a welcome zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1 recipe Remoulade (for dipping): This classic dipping sauce introduces creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that elevate every bite.
How to Make Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
First things first, pat your shrimp dry to ensure they sear beautifully. Place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 ½ tablespoons of that vibrant Cajun seasoning. This step is where the magic begins, as the spice blend will coat each shrimp and build the dish’s signature flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When heated through, crank the heat to medium-high until the pan is sizzling hot. Add half the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and just cooked through. This method locks in juiciness while creating a slight char for extra flavor. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Step 3: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter
Now, in the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant — about 1 minute — to avoid any bitterness. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. This buttery sauce not only smells incredible but adds a citrusy freshness that takes your Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe to the next level.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
You have two delicious options here. Either serve the lemon garlic butter as a dipping sauce alongside your shrimp or toss the cooked shrimp back into the skillet to coat each piece in buttery goodness. From there, season with salt, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat, and adjust lemon juice to taste. This final touch brings the entire dish together into one harmonious flavor party.
How to Serve Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous presentation and added layers of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving. A few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side invite extra zest for those who love an extra bright finish.
Side Dishes
This Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe shines wonderfully paired with simple steamed rice or fluffy garlic mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter option, grill some seasonal vegetables or throw together a crisp green salad to add refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this shrimp as an appetizer on skewers or toothpicks with remoulade dipping sauce in small bowls. Alternatively, nestle the shrimp atop a bed of creamy pasta or mix them into a vibrant salad featuring avocado and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe, store the shrimp and the sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the shrimp tender and the flavors fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can be tricky as they may become rubbery upon thawing. While possible, it’s best to freeze the shrimp before cooking if you want to preserve texture. For this recipe, it’s recommended to enjoy fresh or refrigerate for maximum taste and quality.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice during warming helps revive the bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to get the best sear and texture.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The spice level can vary depending on your Cajun seasoning brand. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your heat preference, adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you want more kick.
Is the lemon garlic butter necessary?
While optional, the lemon garlic butter really elevates the dish with its silky texture and bright flavors. It’s highly recommended for authentic taste and richness.
What is remoulade and can I substitute it?
Remoulade is a tangy, creamy sauce often made with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. If you don’t have it on hand, try tartar sauce or a garlic aioli for a similar effect.
Can I use this recipe for a party appetizer?
Definitely! Served with toothpicks and plenty of remoulade for dipping, this Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to share and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that brings warmth, spice, and freshness all at once, perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a special meal at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your delicious go-to shrimp recipe.
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Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun-Style Shrimp recipe features juicy jumbo shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, cooked to perfection in a skillet, and finished with a rich lemon garlic parsley butter. Served with a tangy remoulade dipping sauce, it’s a flavorful and quick seafood dish perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp (21–25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for lemon garlic butter)
Lemon Garlic Butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Dipping Sauce
- 1 recipe Remoulade (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place shrimp in a large bowl and toss evenly with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to coat all pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter together with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Increase heat to medium-high until the oil and butter mixture is hot and sizzling. Add half of the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter: Using the now empty skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove skillet from heat and stir in minced parsley and lemon juice to combine well.
- Serve: Optionally, serve the shrimp with the lemon garlic butter as a dipping sauce or add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the lemon garlic butter. Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, or additional lemon juice to taste. Serve alongside remoulade sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- The lemon garlic parsley butter is optional but greatly enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
- Remoulade is an optional dipping sauce that pairs wonderfully with the Cajun shrimp.
- Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a main dish with sides like rice and vegetables, or as an addition to pasta or salads.
