This Cajun Shrimp dish is one of the easiest seafood dinners you can make in minutes! Juicy shrimp, seasoned with my homemade Cajun seasoning and sauteed in butter and brown sugar make this one tasty dish.
I always have my homemade Cajun seasoning on hand to make this shrimp dinner and my tasty Dirty Rice dish.
If you made my Cajun seasoning, the first dish I recommend using it with is this Cajun Shrimp. It's very quick and very tasty! Perfect when you need dinner fast but want something delicious. I added brown sugar to balance out the spicy shrimp and along with butter and garlic, it creates a wonderful sauce. Serve it with rice or pasta and a side of veggies (roasted or grilled). This dish is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- medium or large shrimp: peeled with tails on, deveined
- olive oil and butter: my favorite combo for sauteing
- garlic: fresh, minced
- brown sugar: adds sweetness and balances the spiciness; I prefer the dark brown sugar for this dish
- Cajun seasoning: I use my homemade mix
How to make Cajun Shrimp?
- Start by removing the shell and the vein. You can leave the tails on, but make sure the entire vein is removed.
- Sprinkle cajun seasoning over shrimp and toss to coat.
- Melt butter with oil in a skillet.
- Add garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
- Add shrimp to pan along with brown sugar.
- Cook on both sides until pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat so the shrimp does not overcook.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
What to serve with Cajun Shrimp?
My favorite side to serve with Cajun shrimp is white rice and roasted veggies. During summer, grilled vegetables are perfect. You can also turn this into a pasta dish, by adding penne or bow tie pasta and bell peppers, onions, etc.
Storing leftovers:
Seafood dishes are best served on the same days, as they tend to overcook during reheating. I recommend making it the same day you plan to serve it.
More seafood dinners:
For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Seafood category.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Clean the shrimp by removing the shell and the vein.
- Sprinkle cajun seasoning over shrimp and toss to coat.
- Melt butter with oil in a skillet.
- Add garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
- Add shrimp to pan along with brown sugar. Stri to melt sugar in butter.
- Cook shrimp on both sides until pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat so the shrimp does not overcook.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- If you don't have cajun seasoning, you can easily make my homemade version with simple spices: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/cajun-seasoning/
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Deanna says
My daughter can’t have dairy. Do you think it would be good without it?
Anna says
Hi Deanna! You can skip the butter and use more oil. I hope you both love it!
Natalie says
I think this is the tastiest shrimp I've ever had!! Love the cajun seasonings!!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Natalie!
Beth says
This looks so tasty and amazing! My daughter and I are going to love this recipe! So excited! Going to the store now!
Anna says
Enjoy, Beth!
Audrey Dander says
My family LOVED this! I did cut the cajun seasoning a bit in case it would be too much for my kids and I am making it again with the full amount. It is SO good!
Anna says
I am so glad! Thank you, Audrey!