Cajun Spiced Grilled Shrimp (Printable)

Juicy shrimp marinated in Cajun spices, grilled to smoky perfection with zesty Southern flavors.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on for presentation

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - ½ tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp onion powder
08 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to preferred spice level
09 - ½ tsp dried thyme
10 - ½ tsp dried oregano
11 - ½ tsp salt
12 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until all spices are fully incorporated into the oil mixture.
02 - Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
03 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 20 minutes prior to grilling to prevent charring and burning during cooking.
04 - Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both the tail and thick head section to secure each piece firmly. Space shrimp evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
05 - Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout with slight charring marks. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
06 - Remove skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and arrange lemon wedges alongside. Serve immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend hits every note smoky, spicy, and deeply savory without overwhelming the sweet shrimp
  • These cook in minutes but taste like they came from a restaurant kitchen
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd since everyone grabs their own skewer
02 -
  • Over marinating makes shrimp mushy, so stick to 15 minutes maximum
  • Metal skewers cook faster and conduct heat into the shrimp from the inside
  • Shrimp continue cooking after leaving the grill, so pull them slightly underdone
03 -
  • Buy the largest shrimp you can find, they shrink significantly on the grill
  • Pat shrimp dry before adding the marinade for better adherence
  • Let skewers rest for 2 minutes after grilling to lock in juices

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