Description
This grilled shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp marinated in a buttery, garlicky Cajun spice mixture, then quickly grilled to perfection. The marinade imparts a smoky and slightly spicy flavor profile, complemented by the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice. Ideal for a quick and tasty seafood dish that serves 12, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or 8 Tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 Tbsp Cajun spice (provides light heat; not too spicy)
- 1/2 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
Shrimp
- 2 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), uncooked, peeled and deveined
Other
- 12 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
Instructions
- Prep Skewers and Grill: Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400˚F, ensuring it’s ready for grilling.
- Prepare Marinade: Combine the butter, garlic, Cajun spice, salt (if using unsalted butter), and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat it to a simmer, then remove from the heat. Pour half of this marinade into a ramekin for later use, leaving the rest in the pan for immediate brushing.
- Assemble and Marinate Shrimp: Thread 4 shrimp onto each soaked skewer, placing them snugly without gaps. Lay the skewers on a rimmed cookie sheet. Brush one side of the shrimp with the warmed marinade, then refrigerate for 2 minutes until the butter firms. Flip and brush the other side and refrigerate for another 2 minutes.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated grill with the lid closed. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, just until the shrimp is cooked through and no longer transparent. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender and juicy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill and immediately brush with the reserved marinade for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly grilled Cajun shrimp.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- If using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the marinade to avoid over-salting.
- Do not overcook shrimp to prevent a rubbery texture; they cook quickly on the grill.
- Marinating shrimp briefly enhances flavor and helps keep them moist during grilling.
- You can prepare the marinade ahead and keep it warm to brush on shrimp as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (including soaking skewers)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American