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Flavorful Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for blackened Cajun shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (about 60 g)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place shrimp in a mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat all sides evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Place a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them to form a blackened crust.
  5. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Push shrimp to one side of the pan. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Stir garlic gently until fragrant and golden (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn it.
  7. Toss shrimp gently in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Sprinkle chopped parsley if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with a drizzle of any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Notes

Use wild-caught shrimp for best texture and flavor. If dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good blackened crust. Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking. You can prepare seasoned shrimp up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp, Cajun shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, seafood, spicy shrimp

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/flavorful-blackened-cajun-shrimp-recipe-easy-garlic-butter-sauce-ideas/