If you’ve been craving a dish packed with bold flavors and a luscious, buttery finish, the Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is here to satisfy every bite. This recipe perfectly balances the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the bright, refreshing notes of lemon and garlic, and the creamy, tangy remoulade just takes it over the top. It’s a true celebration of Southern-inspired flavors that feels both comforting and downright indulgent. From crispy, seasoned shrimp to that silky lemon garlic butter sauce, each component plays an essential role, making it a favorite for casual dinners or impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a clear purpose, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding richness, or bringing brightness to the dish.
- 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on: The star of the dish, offering a tender, juicy bite that soaks up all the incredible seasoning.
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This spice blend adds the signature heat and smokiness essential to authentic Cajun cooking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter enriches the shrimp and forms the base of the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Olive oil helps to sear the shrimp perfectly without burning the spices.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Extra butter for creating that silky, garlicky lemon sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant pungency that pairs amazingly well with the Cajun heat.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Parsley provides a fresh herbal note, balancing the dish and making the colors pop.
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice: Bright, zesty lemon juice cuts through the richness, giving the dish its signature lift.
- 1 recipe Remoulade (for dipping): This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to the spicy shrimp, adding another layer of indulgence.
How to Make Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure a perfect sear. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This step is crucial because it lets the shrimp absorb all those vibrant spices that will shine through after cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Once melted, crank up the heat to medium-high so the pan is sizzling hot—this helps to get that slightly crispy, caramelized crust on the shrimp. Cook them in batches so they don’t steam—about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn opaque. Each shrimp should be perfectly cooked but still juicy.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
After transferring the shrimp to a plate, keep the skillet on medium heat and melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice, creating a bright, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the Cajun-spiced shrimp.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
You can either serve the shrimp with the lemon garlic butter on the side as a dipping sauce or toss the shrimp back into the skillet to coat each piece evenly. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, extra cayenne, or more lemon juice until it’s just right. The final result is juicy shrimp bursting with spicy, buttery, and citrusy goodness.
How to Serve Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. A few extra lemon wedges on the side amp up the citrus zing, while a light dusting of smoked paprika can bring out even deeper smoky notes. Garnishing is your chance to add a little flair and extra flavor that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice or creamy grits to soak up the buttery sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant contrast. For something lighter, a crisp garden salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly too.
Creative Ways to Present
For an upscale but easy presentation, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta or even tossed with pasta for a Cajun-inspired seafood pasta dish. You can also skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer option, perfect for parties. Pair with the remoulade sauce served in small ramekins for dipping, making each bite an exciting explosion of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery, avoid overcooking during reheating. The lemon garlic butter sauce keeps well and will maintain its flavor when chilled.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Shrimp will keep well for up to three months in the freezer without significant loss of flavor or texture when properly wrapped.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of olive oil or butter to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating as it can quickly turn shrimp rubbery. Heating slowly ensures the shrimp remain tender and the sauce stays silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to get the best texture and flavor.
Is the lemon garlic butter sauce optional?
While you can skip the lemon garlic butter, it truly elevates the dish, adding a rich, zesty layer that makes these shrimp unforgettable.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning gives it a moderate level of heat, but you can easily adjust the amount of seasoning or add extra cayenne if you prefer a spicier kick.
What is remoulade, and do I have to make it from scratch?
Remoulade is a tangy, creamy dipping sauce with roots in French and Cajun cuisine. You can buy it pre-made or whip up a simple homemade version with mayo, mustard, pickles, and spices.
Can I serve this dish as an appetizer?
Definitely! These shrimp make a perfect appetizer served on a platter with toothpicks and dipping remoulade, especially at casual get-togethers or parties.
Final Thoughts
The Cajun-Style Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter and Remoulade Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every forkful. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for anything from a weeknight meal to a special celebration. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather up those ingredients and treat yourself to this incredible taste of Cajun-inspired comfort food!
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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: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun-Style Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, pan-seared to perfection, and finished with a zesty lemon garlic parsley butter. Served with an optional remoulade dipping sauce, this dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or main course.
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
Dipping Sauce
- 1 recipe Remoulade (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl. Toss the shrimp with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium-high. When the skillet is very hot and sizzling, add half of the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and repeat this process with the remaining shrimp.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter: In the now empty skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the minced parsley and lemon juice until combined.
- Serve: You can either serve the shrimp alongside the lemon garlic parsley butter as a dipping sauce or return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the butter. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and additional lemon juice to your taste.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amounts to control the spice level according to your preference.
- The lemon garlic parsley butter is optional but adds a delicious depth of flavor to the shrimp.
- Remoulade sauce is optional but makes a great dipping accompaniment.
- Serve this shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a main dish alongside rice and vegetables, or add it to salads or pasta for extra flavor.
