If you are craving a dish that brings together bold, zesty flavors with a luscious buttery finish, the Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce and a tangy remoulade, creating a harmonious blend of spice, citrus, and creaminess that’s sure to light up your taste buds. It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy Cajun seasoning that wakes up the shrimp to the fresh parsley brightening the garlic butter, each component is simple yet essential to make this dish shine.
- Large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count, peeled, deveined, tails on): Choose good-quality shrimp for sweetness and perfect texture.
- Cajun seasoning (1 ½ tablespoons): A spice blend that adds that signature kick and smokiness.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons total): Provides luxurious richness and helps carry garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures the shrimp sear perfectly without sticking and adds a fruity note.
- Fresh garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Adds depth and a wonderfully aromatic background.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, minced): Brings a splash of color and a fresh herbal note.
- Lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish and balances the richness from the butter.
- Remoulade: A creamy, tangy sauce perfect for dipping, complementing the shrimp’s zestiness.
How to Make Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Step 1: Season Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry – this simple step allows the seasoning to stick better and results in a better sear. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is coated in that beautiful blend of spices. This is where the flavor journey truly begins.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat until melted. Then crank up the heat to medium-high until it’s hot and sizzling – the key to a perfect sear. Cook the shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd; each side should cook for about 2-3 minutes until just opaque and perfectly cooked through. This ensures each shrimp is tender with just the right hint of char.
Step 3: Make Lemon Garlic Butter
After cooking the shrimp, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—about a minute—that intoxicating aroma will fill your kitchen. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice to create that bright, buttery sauce that delicately coats the shrimp.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them in the lemon garlic butter so each one gets coated in richness and fresh flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, cayenne for extra heat if you love spice, or a splash more lemon juice for zing. This final step ties everything together into one irresistible dish.
How to Serve Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a pop of inviting green color but also enhances the fresh herbal flavor in every bite. A few lemon wedges on the side provide a zesty option for those who want an extra citrus hit, amplifying the brightness of the lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or creamy grits that soak up the buttery sauce perfectly. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad add balance to the richness of the shrimp while keeping the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp cocktail-style with toothpicks alongside small bowls of remoulade for dipping. Alternatively, toss the shrimp through linguine or crusty bread for a casual yet elegant meal. For a vibrant appetizer, layer over mixed greens or serve in lettuce cups with a drizzle of the lemon garlic butter and a dollop of remoulade for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to two days. It’s best to store the shrimp separately from the lemon garlic butter sauce if possible to maintain texture, then gently reheat together for the best flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is always preferred with seafood, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to one month in a freezer-safe container or bag. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep the remoulade sauce separate and fresh for dipping after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Add fresh lemon juice after reheating to refresh the vibrant flavors of your Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking to get the best sear and flavor.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The heat level can vary, so feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste, or add extra cayenne pepper at the end if you love more spice.
What can I substitute for remoulade if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have remoulade, a simple mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of smoked paprika makes a quick, tasty alternative.
Is the lemon garlic butter sauce necessary?
While optional, the lemon garlic butter sauce elevates the dish by adding a silky, aromatic layer that perfectly complements the Cajun seasoning and shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Yes, this recipe scales up well. Just cook the shrimp in batches to maintain the perfect sear and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is a delightful celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something special for yourself, this dish will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy every buttery, spicy, citrus-kissed bite!
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Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun-Style Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring large shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection in a hot skillet. Served with a zesty lemon garlic parsley butter and optional remoulade for dipping, it’s perfect as an appetizer or a main course paired with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp (21–25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional
- 1 recipe Remoulade (for dipping)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place in a large bowl and toss the shrimp evenly with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to thoroughly coat them.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium-high until the mixture is very hot and sizzling. Place half the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter: Using the now empty skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the minced fresh parsley and lemon juice to combine.
- Serve: You can either use the lemon parsley butter as a dipping sauce or return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the butter sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and additional lemon juice as desired. Serve with optional remoulade on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking for best results.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level to make the dish milder or spicier.
- The lemon garlic parsley butter is optional but adds an extra layer of delicious flavor to the shrimp.
- Remoulade sauce is optional but highly recommended for a tangy dipping option.
- This shrimp dish works well as an appetizer served with toothpicks, or as a main course alongside rice, vegetables, pasta, or salads.
