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Cajun shrimp in a skillet with sauce.
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Shrimp

A sticky sauce with a buttery garlic New Orleans flavor coats this quickly made Cajun Shrimp. This simple recipe only requires 2 steps and can be made in under 30 minutes for one easy weeknight meal. This shrimp also makes a great party appetizer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Marinating Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 286kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

  • 10-inch or larger Skillet
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl whisk the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic, and set aside.
  • Pour about 1/4 of the sauce onto the thawed shrimp and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
  • In a large skillet (preferably an iron skillet), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Drain the marinade from the shrimp and season the shrimp with salt. Place them in a single layer around the skillet (you may need to work in batches so the shrimp aren't overcrowded). Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until the centers are pink.
  • Using a slotted spoon remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it bubble and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat.
  • Garnish with the diced green onions.

Notes

  • To give this shrimp an even bolder flavor toast the spices before mixing them into the marinade. To do this pour 1 teaspoon of oil into the skillet you plan to cook the shrimp in and toast over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds.
  • Shrimp cooking tip. Once you've placed the last shrimp in the skillet and the tails have turned pink start with the first one you laid down and flip it to the other side. Once you've flipped the last shrimp the first shrimp you placed in the skillet should be done.
  • Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat place a small amount of oil or melt some butter into a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and heat until warm to the touch.
 

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

If you can't find any cajun seasoning you can easily blend your own using these basic spices below. I suggest tripling this batch and storing any leftovers in a container in your pantry for cooking later.
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 308mg | Sodium: 1711mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1901IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 4mg