Cajun Spiced Grilled Shrimp

The first time I made these shrimp was during a summer barbecue when I realized I'd forgotten to buy any BBQ sauce. Panic set in until I spotted that jar of Cajun seasoning in the back of my spice cabinet, and suddenly the evening turned into something unexpectedly delicious. Now these spicy, smoky shrimp have become my go-to whenever I need to feed a crowd without spending hours at the stove.

Last summer my neighbor Sam, who claims he doesn't like spicy food, ended up eating half the platter before anyone else got a serving. He kept going back for more with this wild look in his eyes, saying there was something about the char and spice that he couldn't resist. Now he texts me every time he fires up his grill, asking when I'm bringing over more.

Ingredients

• Large raw shrimp: The tails add visual appeal for serving but removing them makes eating easier, its your call
• Olive oil: Helps the Cajun seasoning cling to every inch of the shrimp while preventing sticking on the grates
• Cajun seasoning: Store-bought works perfectly but homemade lets you control the heat level to your exact preference
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the rich spices and adds brightness that balances everything beautifully
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh brings a punch that garlic powder simply cannot replicate in a quick marinade
• Sea salt and black pepper: Even with seasoned blends, a little extra salt helps those flavors pop
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy

Instructions

Make the marinade:

Whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fragrant and emulsified

Coat the shrimp:

Add shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is covered, then cover and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes while you heat the grill

Prepare the grill:

Get your grill to medium-high heat around 400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled

Thread and grill:

Slide marinated shrimp onto skewers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and pick up gorgeous char marks

Finish and serve:

Transfer to a platter, scatter fresh parsley over top, and arrange lemon wedges around the edge for squeezing

Save

My mom used to say that the best meals happen when you cook with someone you love, and these shrimp always remind me of standing around the grill with friends, drinks in hand, waiting for that first batch to come off. The smell alone makes people gather, and suddenly cooking becomes the party instead of just prep work.

Making Your Own Seasoning

Mix paprika, cayenne, dried oregano and thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to create a blend that puts store-bought versions to shame. I keep a small jar of this mixture on hand specifically for shrimp nights, and adding a pinch of smoked paprika takes it to another level entirely.

Grilling Secrets

Let your grill get properly hot before adding the shrimp, and resist the urge to move them around too much while they cook. Those beautiful char marks only happen when you let the shrimp sear undisturbed, and that slight crunch against the tender meat is what makes grilled food so addictive.

Perfect Pairings

These shrimp shine alongside simple sides that don't compete with their bold flavors. A fluffy mound of rice, some grilled vegetables tossed in olive oil, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette all let the shrimp take center stage.

• Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill
• Leave extra space between shrimp on skewers so heat can circulate evenly
• Serve immediately while hot, as reheating shrimp is never quite the same

Save

There's something about food that brings people together, and these spicy shrimp seem to do it better than anything else in my cooking repertoire.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp is best for this dish?

Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on or off, work best to absorb the marinade and grill evenly.

→ How long should the shrimp marinate?

Marinate the shrimp for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the Cajun spices and citrus to infuse without overpowering the natural texture.

→ What grilling temperature is recommended?

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), for a quick char and juicy interior.

→ Can Cajun seasoning be homemade?

Yes, combining paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, and salt creates a vibrant homemade Cajun spice blend.

→ What dishes pair well with grilled shrimp?

Grilled shrimp pairs well with rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables to complement its smoky and zesty flavors.