The summer is perfect for firing up the grill and creating flavorsome meals that bring family and friends together. Our Grilled Cajun Shrimp recipe hits just the right notes. This dish is a vibrant celebration of succulent shrimp kissed by smoke and spice, delivering an exciting blend of heat and flavor. The best part?
It's a quick and easy recipe, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or simply seeking a new addition to your dinner rotation, this zesty dish is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Yet Flavorful: What's wonderful about this Grilled Cajun Shrimp recipe is its simplicity without compromising on flavor. It involves just a few steps: marinating the shrimp in a homemade Cajun spice mix, grilling them to perfection, and finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These grilled shrimps are incredibly juicy and plump, with a robust, smoky flavor that's perfectly balanced by the piquant Cajun spice. The result is a dish that's bursting with a savory symphony of taste in every bite.
Versatility: Another great reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the grilled Cajun shrimp as an appetizer, Dinner, or even use it in tacos, salads, or pasta for a flavorful twist. The unique Cajun flavoring brings a hearty depth to any meal, making your dish stand out. Additionally, you can easily adjust the level of heat to your liking. Want it fiery? Add more chili powder. Prefer a milder version? Just dial back the spices. This adaptability makes it a recipe that caters to diverse taste buds and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients
Shrimp - jumbo shrimp work best. Shrimp is a low-fat, high-protein seafood that is a great source of vitamin B12. If fresh shrimp is unavailable, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
Cajun seasoning - Cajun seasoning is a blend of flavorful spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. It's what gives our dish its distinctive flavor. If it's unavailable, you can substitute it with Creole seasoning.
Olive oil - Olive oil is great for grilling because it doesn't burn as quickly as other oils. If you prefer, canola oil or avocado oil can also work.
Lemon - The juice of lemon adds a tangy freshness that balances the spice of the Cajun seasoning. If lemons are not in season or available, lime or white wine vinegar can also do the trick.
Garlic - garlic will give a depth of flavor. Garlic boosts the overall flavor profile, and it's a healthy addition to the dish. You can substitute it with garlic powder if fresh garlic isn't accessible.
Tips
- Ensure to remove the shrimp's shell and devein them before marinating to allow the flavors to seep in effectively.
- Don't over-marinate the shrimp; 15-30 minutes is typically enough. Over-marinating can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Preheat the grill before placing the shrimp on it. This helps achieve a nice char without overcooking the shrimp.
- Remember that shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooking can result in a tough texture, so keep a close eye on them.
- Use a grill basket or skewers for grilling the shrimp to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
How to Serve
Grilled Cajun shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with various side dishes. Its spicy, smoky flavor profile adds a zing to any meal. Since it's a light dish, it is an excellent choice for summer outdoor barbecues or casual dinners.
- With a salad: For a healthy and light meal, serve the grilled Cajun shrimp over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach, tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- With pasta: Add the grilled Cajun shrimp to a creamy linguine or fettuccine for a more hearty meal. The shrimp adds a kick of flavor to the pasta.
- In a Po'boy sandwich: Create a New Orleans style Po'boy sandwich with crusty French bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of remoulade sauce for a flavorful lunch option.
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Grilled Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds of fresh jumbo shrimp
- 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
Instructions
- Clean and devein the shrimp.
- In a bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the mixture and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure to remove the shrimp's shell and devein them before marinating to allow the flavors to seep in effectively.
- Don't over-marinate the shrimp; 15-30 minutes is typically enough. Over-marinating can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Preheat the grill before placing the shrimp on it. This helps achieve a nice char without overcooking the shrimp.
- Remember that shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooking can result in a tough texture, so keep a close eye on them.
- Use a grill basket or skewers for grilling the shrimp to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.