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Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Deliciously spicy and smoky Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers, perfect for a quick and flavorful main course. These shrimp are marinated in a blend of Cajun spices and grilled to juicy perfection, making them an ideal dish for BBQs or a simple weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Wooden or metal skewers


Instructions

  1. Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh lemon juice to create the marinade.
  3. Marinate Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and quick cooking.
  5. Assemble Skewers: Thread about 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring they are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
  6. Grill Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque, lightly charred, and cooked through.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level.
  • These shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Soaking wooden skewers is essential to avoid burning and ensure safe grilling.