Cajun Shrimp dishes sound rather fancy, but they are actually really fast and easy to make in 5 minutes!
With a little bit of heat and a whole lot of flavor (as spicy as you want), this simple, yet satisfying recipe requires only 5 ingredients.
Easy 5 Minute Cajun Shrimp Dinner
Our Cajun Shrimp recipe is so quick and easy to make simply by sautéing extra large shrimp with garlic in butter and olive oil, coating it with seasoning, and cooking them until pink in color.
I love how the spices stick to the tender, juicy shrimp and give them a crusty outside with just the right kick.
Cajun shrimp recipes are prepared with my favorite form of protein, not only because they cook quickly when you’re pressed for time to get a delicious dinner on the table, but also because they are gluten-free, low in carbs, low in fat, and low in calories.
Cajun-style shrimp makes the perfect base for a paleo or keto-friendly dish; when paired with my zucchini noodles, cauliflower breadsticks, or broccoli slaw, you’ve made a healthy, flavorful meal in minutes.
Why We Love This Garlic Cajun Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in 5 minutes.
- Only uses 5 simple ingredients.
- Packed with lean protein and a big nutritional punch.
- Great lunch or dinner option that cooks on your stove-top in a single skillet when you lack the time to prepare a healthy meal.
- Cajun shrimps are full of flavor and can be customized with extra spice to make the whole family happy.
Other Easy Dinner Recipes
Ingredients
- Frozen jumbo peeled, deveined shrimp
- Salted sweet cream butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Creole seasoning: I used Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning but feel free to use your favorite brand or make your own homemade cajun seasoning.
Substitutions and Additions
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the shrimp on a bed of grits, fried rice, rice pilaf, plain long-grain white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or another whole grain. You can prepare cajun shrimp pasta with penne, fusilli, rotini or another shape you prefer. Or serve it with a side of steamed veggies, a potato, or salad.
- Revise Your Recipes: It’s always fun to revise your recipes with ingredients that make them taste like new meals. Use this cajun shrimp to bulk up a burrito bowl, tuck in a sheet pan taco, or serve over a summer corn salad.
- Add Some Spice: For an even spicier kick, you can add 2 teaspoons of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce with the creole seasoning.
Recommended Tools
- 12 inch skillet
See Full Recipe Card Below
Jump to RecipeHow to Make Cajun Shrimp
- Prepare The Protein: Remove the tails from the shrimp and pat them dry.
- Cook: Heat the butter and olive oil until the butter is melted. Add the shrimp and garlic and cook until the shrimp is a dark pink color. Sprinkle the seasoning over the cooked shrimp and stir to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tip From Our Recipe Developer
- You can thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or in an extra large bowl in cold water.
- To save time, buy already peeled and deveined shrimp. I do not recommend using pre-cooked shrimp.
- Don’t over-crowd the skillet with the shrimp; cook them flat in a single layer.
- Don’t overcook your shrimp (they cook fast). Over-cooked shrimp is tough and rubbery.
Storage
- To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To Freeze: Store your shrimp in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat the shrimp over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Other Easy Dinner Recipes
- Pulled Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Creamy Beef and Shells
- Homemade Dorito Taco Casserole
- Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Garlic Bread Meatball Bombs
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Cheeseburger Tacos
Cajun Shrimp
Serves — 25
Cajun Shrimp are the perfect protein option when preparing a simple, satisfying low carb, keto-friendly, gluten free meal. Full of flavor and perfectly spiced, this delicious dish takes only 5 minutes to make.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (21-25) frozen jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined (thawed)
- 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons creole seasoning I used Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- If the thawed shrimp still has the tails attached, cut the tails off.
- Use paper towels to pat dry the thawed shrimp.
- Add the butter and olive oil to a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted.
- Add the shrimp and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the shrimp is a dark pink color and cooked through.
- Sprinkle the creole seasoning over the cooked shrimp, stir until completely coated. Serve immediately.
Jenn’s Notes
Storage:
- To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To Freeze: Store your shrimp in a freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat the shrimp over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
- You can thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or in an extra large bowl in cold water.
- To save on time, buy already peeled and deveined shrimp. I do not recommend using pre-cooked shrimp.
- Don’t over-crowd the skillet with the shrimp; cook them flat in a single layer.
- Don’t overcook your shrimp (they cook fast). Over-cooked shrimp is tough and rubbery.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.05g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Made this tonight with my very picky 19 yo son. We both really enjoyed it. And it was so so easy. We’ll definitely make this again.
Hi Evelyn! So glad you enjoyed it!
we love the spicy shrimp.