Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 stick Danish Creamery European-Style Sea Salt Butter (melted); 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 cloves minced garlic; Juice of 1 lemon

Published: June 23, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of Cajun seasoning and garlic butter delivers an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve these skewers as an appetizer, main dish, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Impressive Presentation: Skewered shrimp look fantastic on the grill and make an eye-catching addition to any table setting.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to the skewers for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skewers
Grill
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

Skewers: Essential for grilling shrimp evenly and making them easy to handle.
Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor that enhances the taste of the shrimp.
Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients thoroughly before marinating the shrimp.
Basting brush: Helps apply the Cajun garlic butter sauce evenly during grilling.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, with tails on)
1 stick Danish Creamery European-Style Sea Salt Butter (melted)
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Juice of 1 lemon

For Garnish

Optional: Lemon slices for garnish

How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.

Step 2: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together melted Danish Creamery European-Style Sea Salt Butter, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Reserve half of this mixture for basting later.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the peeled shrimp in a large bowl:
1. Pour half of the Cajun garlic butter sauce over them.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
3. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated shrimp onto your soaked skewers:
1. Place them on a sheet pan in preparation for grilling.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat:
1. Place each skewer onto the grill.
2. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until shrimp are no longer translucent and have nice char marks.

Step 6: Baste and Serve

Brush remaining Cajun garlic butter sauce over cooked shrimp skewers:
1. Serve immediately with optional lemon slices for garnish if desired. If any sauce solidified, microwave it briefly to melt before serving.

How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner, these skewers will impress your guests.

With Lemon Wedges

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for an added zesty flavor. The acidity complements the richness of the butter.

On a Bed of Rice

Serve the skewers on a bed of fluffy white rice or Cajun-style dirty rice. This combination adds heartiness and absorbs the delicious garlic butter drippings.

Paired with Grilled Vegetables

Offer grilled vegetables alongside the shrimp skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add color and nutrition to the plate.

In Tacos

Use warm tortillas to create shrimp tacos. Add fresh toppings like cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a flavorful twist.

As an Appetizer

Serve smaller portions of the skewers as appetizers. Perfect for parties, they can be enjoyed with toothpicks for easy eating.

With Salad

Pair the skewers with a crisp salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp and keeps things light.

How to Perfect Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

To ensure your Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers are perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp will provide better texture and flavor compared to previously frozen options.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents burning and ensures they hold up on the grill.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; aim for 3-4 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough.
Baste Generously: Use the reserved Cajun garlic butter sauce while grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preference for heat. Start low if you’re unsure!
Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the skewers to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain juices and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Serving side dishes alongside your Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up any remaining garlic butter sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of the shrimp skewers.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter is a classic summer side that pairs beautifully with grilled dishes.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs brings color and nutrition to your plate.
Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are crispy and satisfying, making them an excellent companion to grilled shrimp.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer refreshing flavors that complement seafood well.
Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a unique touch that contrasts nicely with spicy shrimp.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus is not only healthy but also adds a vibrant green element to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

Ignoring Skewer Preparation: If you use wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures your shrimp cook perfectly.
Over-marinating Shrimp: While marinating enhances flavor, don’t let shrimp sit in the marinade for too long. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour; otherwise, the acid from the lemon juice can make them mushy.
Using Unsalted Butter: The flavor of your Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers relies heavily on quality butter. Always opt for salted or European-style butter for a richer taste.
Neglecting Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking. If it’s too cool, your shrimp won’t get that desirable char and may overcook.
Skipping Basting: Basting with the reserved Cajun garlic butter sauce while grilling adds extra moisture and flavor. Don’t forget this step for maximum taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers in an airtight container.
They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Place cooled shrimp skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their flavor.

Reheating Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), checking until warm.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, using a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are thawed completely before marinating and grilling.

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Large shrimp are ideal as they hold up well on skewers and provide a satisfying bite.

How spicy are Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

The spiciness depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust it according to your preference by adding less seasoning if desired.

Can I customize the seasoning for my skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs that you love. Customize it to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

Cajun Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic appetizer or main dish suitable for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite flavors! Try it out today and enjoy every flavorful bite!

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