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red lobster cajun shrimp

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry, then toss with the 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt until fully coated.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes on the first side, flip, and cook 1 more minute until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, then stir in the 4 cloves minced garlic for 45 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and just golden.
  4. Add the 1 tbsp lemon juice and stir to deglaze. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss over medium heat for 30 seconds to coat. Top with the 2 tbsp chopped parsley, transfer to a serving plate, and spoon any pan sauce over the top with a lemon wedge alongside.

Notes

If your Cajun seasoning blend is already quite salty, skip the added kosher salt and taste the sauce before returning the shrimp to the pan. This recipe is easy to scale up, but cook in batches rather than adding everything to one crowded pan. The garlic step goes fast, so have everything ready before you start.