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

  1. Prepare the Shrimp

    Devein and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. Prep Aromatics

    Mince the garlic, zest the lemon, juice the lemon, and finely chop the parsley. Divide the parsley into two portions.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Heat Oil

    Add avocado oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Add Lemon and Seasonings

    Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Finish Aromatics

    Add half of the chopped parsley and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. 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

  10. 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

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp!

Recipe by Cooking With Mr. Cooper

A quick, flavorful Cajun‑style shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with lemon and parsley. Ready in under an hour, this one‑pan dish pairs perfectly with rice or pasta.

EasyCajun (American)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.97
Total cost
$3.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery.
  • Use a splatter guard if available when deglazing with broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp in Cajun cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Cajun shrimp dishes in Louisiana?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp traditionally served in Cajun households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp associated with in Louisiana culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp special within Cajun cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has the recipe for Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp evolved over time in modern American kitchens?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use avocado oil for searing instead of butter?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Mr. Cooper's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
7

Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp recipe from Island Vibe Cooking. Succulent shrimp tossed in a rich garlic‑butter sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices, ready in under 30 minutes.

27 minServes 4$11
American
The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Ever
7

The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Ever

A quick, flavor‑packed garlic butter shrimp served with crispy roasted‑garlic French bread. Perfect as an appetizer, over pasta, rice, or a salad for a satisfying main course.

2 hrs 15 minServes 4$40
Italian‑American
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
6

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A fast, flavorful shrimp dish tossed in a buttery garlic, lemon and chili sauce. Perfect served over pasta, rice, or on its own for a keto-friendly meal.

20 minServes 4$14
American
Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Broccoli
9

Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Broccoli

A comforting, one‑pan dinner featuring golden garlic‑butter shrimp, fluffy butter‑cream mashed potatoes, and bright, crisp broccoli tossed in a garlicky herb seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent.

1 hr 7 minServes 4$15
American
Best Garlic Butter Shrimp / Prawns
8

Best Garlic Butter Shrimp / Prawns

A quick, buttery garlic shrimp tossed with linguini, white wine, cream, cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley. The shrimp are lightly butter‑sautéed with plenty of garlic, then finished in a silky sauce that coats the pasta. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that feels restaurant‑quality.

40 minServes 6$30
Italian‑Mediterranean
Shrimp Oreganata - Baked Shrimp with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs
16

Shrimp Oreganata - Baked Shrimp with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs

A bright, garlicky baked shrimp dish topped with herbed breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a buttery white‑wine sauce. Served in a shallow pie dish, the shrimp stay juicy while the crust turns golden and crisp. Finished with fresh lemon wedges, this Italian‑American favorite is perfect for a quick appetizer or light main.

35 minServes 4$16
Italian-American