Description
This Cajun Grilled Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer cookout. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and parmesan cheese, the shrimp are grilled to perfection, offering a deliciously smoky and slightly spicy taste. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy and impressive way to enjoy seafood with a zesty lemon finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb fresh large raw shrimp (or frozen and thawed)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (increase for added heat)
- Juice of half a lemon
To Serve
- Lemon slices (for serving)
- Skewers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, dried basil, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper—until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a large ziplock bag.
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place several shrimp at a time into the bag containing the seasoning mix. Seal the bag and gently shake to evenly coat the shrimp with the spices. Remove the shrimp and place them on a plate. Repeat until all shrimp are seasoned.
- Grill Shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, using tongs to flip them carefully, until the shrimp turn opaque and are no longer translucent.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the cooked shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle or squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp for added brightness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun grilled shrimp immediately, accompanied by lemon slices and optionally served on skewers for easy handling and presentation.
Notes
- You can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Using skewers helps keep shrimp together on the grill for easier flipping.
- For an indoor option, a grill pan works well and provides similar smoky flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice, salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American Cajun
