Get ready to spice up your next meal with this irresistible Cajun BBQ Shrimp recipe, a quick and easy dish that brings bold, smoky flavors straight from the heart of Louisiana to your table!
Craving a dish that packs a punch of bold flavors? Look no further than this Cajun BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce recipe! Perfectly seasoned shrimp are tossed in a zesty blend of Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, spicy crust. But the magic doesn’t stop there. These shrimp are then bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that perfectly complements the heat, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Feeds 2-4 people
Prep time 20-30 minutes
Cook time 20-30 minutes
Why Cajun BBQ Shrimp Works
BBQ Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce: This is a flavor powerhouse, combining the heat of Cajun spices with the rich, buttery goodness of garlic for an irresistible dish. Here’s why it works so well:
Bold Cajun Flavors: The blend of spices in Cajun seasoning—like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme—creates a robust flavor profile. The shrimp, with its natural sweetness, balances the heat and spice, making every bite exciting but not overwhelming.
Smoky BBQ Element: Grilling shrimp enhances the Cajun seasoning by adding a layer of smoky, charred goodness. The BBQ method also seals in the juices, keeping the shrimp tender and flavorful.
Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is the secret weapon of this dish. The creamy, garlicky sauce tempers the spiciness of the Cajun shrimp, adding richness and depth. The butter also acts as a carrier for the flavors, ensuring that every bite is packed with both spice and savory indulgence.
Balanced Texture: Grilled shrimp have a perfect bite—crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. The garlic butter sauce enhances this texture by adding a silky smooth element that coats the shrimp, making the dish feel luxurious and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of peeled & deveined shrimp(16-20 per pound)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 diced shallot
- 4 diced garlic cloves (If your using store bought minced garlic add 1 tablespoon)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of chopped chives for garnish
- Wooden BBQ skewers (if you don’t have any skewers don’t sweat it jus grill the shrimp without them)
Grilling Process
Prep the Shrimp: First, remove the shell from the shrimp, leaving only the tail intact. This makes them easier to eat and perfect for grilling.
Skewer the Shrimp: Next, skewer each shrimp onto a wooden BBQ skewer. Make sure they’re spaced evenly for even cooking.
Season Generously: Now, sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides of the shrimp. The Cajun spices will give the shrimp a bold, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ.
Preheat the Grill: While preparing the shrimp, set your grill to 450°F (230°C). The high heat ensures a nice char on the shrimp without overcooking them.
Grill the Shrimp: Once the grill is ready, place your shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Be sure to watch closely, as shrimp cooks quickly!
Garlic & Butter Sauce
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the shrimp is grilling, heat a cast iron pan over medium heat. Melt down 1 stick of butter in the pan.
Sauté the Shallots: Once the butter is melted, add your diced shallots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots become translucent.
Add Garlic: After the shallots are soft, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Add Heavy Cream & Cajun Seasoning: Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
Cook Down the Sauce: Allow the garlic butter cream sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. The sauce will become rich and flavorful, perfect for drizzling over the shrimp.
Plate and Serve: Once your shrimp are done grilling, remove them from the skewers and arrange them in rows on a serving dish. Then, drizzle the garlic butter sauce generously over the shrimp.
Garnish and Enjoy: Finally, garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This Garlic & Butter cream sauce is also great drizzled over BBQ Clams
This sauce pairs great with Scallops as well!
Cajun BBQ Shrimp
Craving a dish that packs a punch of bold flavors? Look no further than this Cajun BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce recipe! Perfectly seasoned shrimp are tossed in a zesty blend of Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, spicy crust. But the magic doesn't stop there. These shrimp are then bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that perfectly complements the heat, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of peeled & deveined shrimp(16-20 per pound)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 diced shallot
- 4 diced garlic cloves (If your using store bought minced garlic add 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of chopped chives for garnish
- Wooden BBQ skewers (if you don't have any skewers don’t sweat it jus grill the shrimp without them)
Instructions
- Remove the shell from the shrimp leaving just the tail
- Skewer each shrimp onto a wooden BBQ skewer
- Season the shrimp on both sides with cajun seasoning
- Set up your grill to 450 degrees
- Grill your shrimp on both sides till they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees
- In a cast iron melt down 1 stick of butter
- Saute your diced shallot in the melted butter
- After the shallots become translucent add your diced garlic and stir
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream
- Add 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning and mix
- Allow the butter cream sauce to cook down for 3-5 minutes till it thickens up
- Plate up your shrimp in rows
- Drizzle your garlic butter sauce over the top of the shrimp
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives & enjoy!
Notes
BBQ Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is a flavor powerhouse, combining the heat of Cajun spices with the rich, buttery goodness of garlic for an irresistible dish. Here's why it works so well:
Bold Cajun Flavors: The blend of spices in Cajun seasoning—like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme—creates a robust flavor profile. The shrimp, with its natural sweetness, balances the heat and spice, making every bite exciting but not overwhelming.
Smoky BBQ Element: Grilling shrimp enhances the Cajun seasoning by adding a layer of smoky, charred goodness. The BBQ method also seals in the juices, keeping the shrimp tender and flavorful.
Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is the secret weapon of this dish. The creamy, garlicky sauce tempers the spiciness of the Cajun shrimp, adding richness and depth. The butter also acts as a carrier for the flavors, ensuring that every bite is packed with both spice and savory indulgence.
Balanced Texture: Grilled shrimp have a perfect bite—crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. The garlic butter sauce enhances this texture by adding a silky smooth element that coats the shrimp, making the dish feel luxurious and comforting.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 329mgSodium: 836mgCarbohydrates: 12gNet Carbohydrates: 0gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 25g