Description
This Skillet Cajun Shrimp recipe offers a spicy, flavorful seafood dish coated in a smoky paprika and herb marinade, perfectly cooked in a skillet for a quick and delicious meal. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with Cajun rice and roasted broccoli.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb. raw, deveined, shelled shrimp with tail on (26/30 size)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper
Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes up to 6 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the First Half of Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add half of the marinated shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred. Remove the cooked shrimp to a plate.
- Cook the Remaining Shrimp: Add the remaining shrimp to the hot skillet and repeat the cooking process: 2 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other. Remove once cooked.
- Combine and Add Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and return all the shrimp to the pan. Squeeze two fresh lemon wedges over the shrimp and stir gently to mix and coat with the lemon juice and buttery sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the warm Cajun shrimp immediately. They pair excellently with Cajun aioli for dipping.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the skillet Cajun shrimp over Cajun rice accompanied by roasted broccoli on the side.
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp longer for deeper flavor; up to 6 hours is ideal.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
- Use smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor—do not substitute with regular paprika.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp to get a good sear.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture and temperature.
- Pairs well with Cajun aioli, rice, and roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, skillet shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp, quick seafood dinner, Cajun seasoning
