Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp! is a easy Cajun (American) recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Mr. Cooper on YouTube.
Prep: 27 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 48 min
Cost: $14.97 total, $3.74 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Raw Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails left on)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds depth and color)
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil (high smoke point)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes for quick melting)
- 1 large Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (adds umami)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, divided)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- to taste Salt (optional, adjust for seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
Devein and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Season and Rest
Place the shrimp in a bowl, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, toss to coat, then let sit for 15 minutes.
Time: PT17M
Prep Aromatics
Mince the garlic, zest the lemon, juice the lemon, and finely chop the parsley. Divide the parsley into two portions.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Add avocado oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sear Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Deglaze and Melt Butter
Reduce heat to medium, pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add butter and stir until melted.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Lemon and Seasonings
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Finish Aromatics
Add half of the chopped parsley and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Return Shrimp to Pan
Add the rested shrimp and any juices back to the skillet. Toss to coat and cook another 2 minutes to finish through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately over rice or tossed with pasta.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Carb
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Raw Shrimp: large raw prawns
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Creole seasoning
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Avocado Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: ghee, margarine
- Instead of Lemon: lime
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: soy sauce, fish sauce
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Microplane Zester (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly before searing
- Allow shrimp to rest with seasoning for 15 minutes
- Sear shrimp quickly—2 minutes per side—to avoid overcooking
- Coat shrimp in the butter‑lemon sauce just before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat shrimp completely dry for the best sear.
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil like avocado oil to prevent burning.
- Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp are rubbery and overcooked
Cook shrimp only 2 min per side; they finish cooking when you return them to the pan with the sauce.
Sauce is too thin
Increase butter by 1 Tbsp or let the sauce reduce an extra minute over medium heat.
Sauce becomes grainy
Make sure butter is fully melted and not browned; keep heat at medium and stir continuously.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of shrimp changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Seasoned shrimp can be prepared up to 30 minutes ahead and kept refrigerated.
- The butter‑lemon sauce can be made earlier; reheat gently and add shrimp just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp in Cajun cuisine?
Cajun cooking, rooted in Louisiana’s French‑Acadian heritage, emphasizes bold spices, seafood, and quick skillet techniques. Combining Cajun seasoning with a buttery lemon sauce reflects the region’s love for rich, flavorful seafood dishes that can be prepared fast for family meals or gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Cajun shrimp dishes in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, shrimp can be prepared as "Cajun shrimp boil" with potatoes and corn, "Shrimp Étouffée" with a thick roux, or simply sautéed with butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning. The garlic butter version adds a bright lemon note that isn’t always present in classic étouffée.
How is Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp traditionally served in Cajun households?
It is often served over a bed of steamed white rice or tossed with buttered noodles, allowing the sauce to coat the starch. Occasionally, it’s presented with crusty French bread for sopping up the buttery sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp associated with in Louisiana culture?
Shrimp dishes are popular for Mardi Mardi celebrations, family gatherings, and seafood festivals along the Gulf Coast. The quick skillet method makes it ideal for casual dinner parties and weekend meals.
What other Cajun dishes pair well with Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Pair it with classic sides like dirty rice, corn maque choux, or a simple coleslaw. A chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the buttery, spicy flavors.
What makes Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp special within Cajun cuisine?
The dish blends the signature heat of Cajun seasoning with a luxurious garlic‑lemon butter sauce, creating a balance of spice, acidity, and richness that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp.
How has the recipe for Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp evolved over time in modern American kitchens?
Home cooks today often substitute traditional lard or bacon fat with healthier oils like avocado oil, and they may add fresh herbs such as parsley for brightness. The core technique—quick sear and butter sauce—remains unchanged.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, not drying them before searing, and adding the garlic too early, which can cause bitterness. Also, failing to deglaze the pan loses the flavorful fond.
Why does this recipe use avocado oil for searing instead of butter?
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than butter, allowing a quick, high‑heat sear without burning. Butter is added later to create the sauce, preserving its flavor without the risk of scorching.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper focuses on simple, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often highlighting quick weeknight meals and practical cooking tips for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?
Cooking With Mr. Cooper emphasizes speed and minimal equipment, using pantry‑friendly ingredients and high‑smoke‑point oils, whereas many Cajun specialists may rely on traditional techniques like long simmered roux or deep‑fried preparations.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
