Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Cajun Shrimp Skewers are a flavorful, quick, and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of bold, spicy Cajun seasoning.The shrimp are marinated in a zesty mixture of Cajun spices, olive oil, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, charred exterior and a juicy, tender interior. These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or a fun appetizer to impress guests. The combination of heat from the seasoning and freshness from the lemon makes each bite irresistible.
Equipment
- 4-6 Wooden or Metal Skewers
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Tongs
- Basting Brush (optional)
- Zester (for lemon zest)
- Tongs or Spatula (for flipping shrimp)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Lemon zested for garnish
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.Allow to marinate for 15–20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the Skewers: While the shrimp is marinating, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, making sure they are snug but not overcrowded.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or use a grilling mat. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and have a slight char.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides like rice, grilled veggies, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Shrimp Size: Use large or extra-large shrimp for best results, as they hold up well on skewers and cook evenly.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your Cajun Shrimp Skewers extra spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade. For a milder version, use a less spicy Cajun seasoning blend.
- Grilling Tips: Be sure not to overcrowd the shrimp on the skewers to ensure even cooking. If necessary, use two skewers for each batch to keep the shrimp from rotating while flipping.
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the shrimp overnight for more intense flavor, but be mindful not to marinate for too long as the lemon juice can make the shrimp mushy.