Description
These Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers feature perfectly seasoned shrimp with a smoky, spicy Cajun blend, grilled to juicy perfection. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make a quick, flavorful meal ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional, depending on Cajun seasoning)
For Serving and Garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and salt if desired. Mix thoroughly until each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning combination.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers: Carefully thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, placing them close together but without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a light char for enhanced flavor.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun shrimp skewers hot with extra lemon wedges on the side. They pair wonderfully with rice, fresh salads, or inside tacos for a versatile meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- These skewers can be cooked on a grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten-containing additives.
