Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter 8 Tbsp; 4 cloves garlic pressed or minced; 1 Tbsp Cajun spice; ½ tsp salt omit if using salted butter; 1 Tbsp lemon juice from ½ lemon; 2 lbs large shrimp 21–25 count, peeled & deveined; 12 medium wooden skewers

Juicy shrimp marinated in a buttery, garlicky, Cajun-kicked sauce, then grilled to perfection on wooden skewers.

This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight seafood feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, buttery flavor — garlic and Cajun spices swirl in melted butter

Quick prep — marinade, skewer, and grill in under 15 minutes

Customizable heat — adjust Cajun spice to your taste

Perfect bite-size — large shrimp on skewers for easy eating

Great for entertaining — make ahead and finish on the grill

Ingredient Highlights

Unsalted butter — coats shrimp in rich, creamy flavor

Garlic — fresh cloves pressed or minced for aromatic punch

Cajun spice — a balanced blend of paprika, garlic, and herbs

Lemon juice — brightens the buttery marinade

Large shrimp — peeled, deveined, and ready to soak up flavor

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning

Chill briefly after basting — firm up the butter for even grilling

Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F) for quick sear

Don’t overcrowd the grill — leave space between skewers for even cooking

Watch closely — shrimp cook fast and become rubbery if overdone

How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small saucepan, combine butter, garlic, Cajun spice, salt, and lemon juice.

Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.

Pour half into a small bowl and reserve the rest.

Step 3: Skewer & Baste
Thread 4 shrimp tightly onto each damp skewer.

Place on a rimmed sheet and brush one side with the reserved sauce.

Chill 2 minutes to firm. Flip, brush the other side, and chill again.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Grill skewers with lid closed for about 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn opaque and just cooked through.

Brush with remaining butter sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over coconut rice or cilantro-lime quinoa

Pair with grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad

Offer extra lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

Variations & Substitutions

Heat level: swap Cajun spice for chili powder or cayenne to adjust spice

Herb twist: add chopped parsley or cilantro to the marinade

Seafood swap: use scallops or chunks of firm fish on skewers

Dairy-free: replace butter with olive oil and omit salt

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp chilled in an airtight container up to 2 days

Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat

Freeze cooked shrimp skewers for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating

FAQs

Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden?
Yes—metal skewers conduct heat and don’t require soaking, making them an easy alternative.

How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Brush both the grill grates and the shrimp with a little oil before cooking to create a nonstick surface.

What’s the best way to tell when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn fully opaque, curl into a loose “C” shape, and register 120–125°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely—prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently before using.

Is it safe to reuse the marinade?
Use only the reserved portion that didn’t touch raw shrimp for basting after grilling; discard any marinade that’s been in contact with raw seafood.

How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase or decrease the Cajun spice amount, or substitute with smoked paprika or cayenne powder to suit your heat preference.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes—place skewers on a baking sheet and broil 3–4 minutes per side under high heat, watching closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

These Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers deliver bold, buttery flavor with minimal fuss.

Perfect for backyard barbecues or a quick weeknight treat, they’re destined to become your go-to seafood skewer recipe.