Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and quick seafood dish that packs a flavorful punch. With a combination of savory spices and rich, buttery garlic sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it can be served over rice, pasta, or even on its own.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is great for several reasons. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish. Second, the flavors are bold and rich, making each bite a delight. Lastly, shrimp is a healthy source of protein and can easily fit into various diets. This dish is perfect for those who want a tasty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp
- Salt and pepper
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, cajun seasoning, and minced garlic.
- In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the sauce mixture and let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the shrimp and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they become opaque.
- Finally, top your dish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served in many ways. It pairs well with fluffy white rice or creamy pasta. You can also serve it over a bed of sautéed vegetables for a lighter option. Don’t forget to provide extra sauce from the skillet for drizzling!
How to Store Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
If you have leftovers, allow the shrimp to cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. You can store Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Keep an eye on them; they should only take about 4-5 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of cajun seasoning to meet your spice preference; add more for extra heat!
- This dish is versatile, so feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will take longer to cook through while scallops require a shorter cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for olive oil?
You can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil if you do not have olive oil.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning Adjust for spice preference
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed
- Salt and pepper To taste
- Sliced green onions for garnish For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, cajun seasoning, and minced garlic.
Cooking
- In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sauce mixture and let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the shrimp become opaque.
- Top the dish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
