There’s something unbeatable about juicy grilled shrimp straight off the skewer.

Add smoky Cajun spices, rich garlic butter, and a splash of lemon, and you’ve got a summer-ready recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

These grilled Cajun shrimp skewers are my go-to for backyard BBQs, easy dinners, and casual get-togethers.

Simple to prep, fast to cook, and full of bold flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish

Garlicky Cajun butter coats every shrimp perfectly

Bold, smoky, and juicy, with a citrusy finish

Perfect for grilling outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan

Crowd-friendly and easy to double for parties

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Large raw shrimp – peeled and deveined, tails on

Unsalted butter – the flavor base

Fresh garlic cloves – for that signature aroma

Cajun seasoning – smoky, bold, and a little spicy

Lemon juice – to brighten and balance

Salt + skewers – essentials for grilling

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning

Use large or jumbo shrimp so they stay juicy on the grill

Pat shrimp dry before tossing in the marinade

Preheat the grill well to get a quick sear and prevent sticking

Grill just until opaque—overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast

How to Make Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Make the Garlic Cajun Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Stir in Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a large mixing bowl.

Pour about ⅔ of the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.

Toss well until evenly coated. Reserve the rest for brushing later.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, 4–5 per skewer, making sure they lie flat for even grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Brush and Serve

Transfer skewers to a platter.

Brush immediately with the reserved garlic Cajun butter and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

What to Serve It With

Garlic rice, herbed couscous, or grilled corn

A fresh garden salad with citrus vinaigrette

Creamy pasta or Cajun mac and cheese

Grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes

Cold drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine

Variations / Substitutions

Swap Cajun seasoning for Old Bay or Creole blend

Use chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra spice

Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor

Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note

Try this method with scallops, chicken, or tofu as an alternative protein

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat—just until warmed

Do not microwave for too long—shrimp will become rubbery

Leftovers work great in tacos, pasta, or rice bowls

Extra garlic butter can be refrigerated and reused for veggies or bread

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

What Cajun seasoning do you recommend?
Any store-bought blend works well.

Check for salt content—adjust added salt if needed.

Are these skewers spicy?
Mildly spicy. You can reduce Cajun seasoning or choose a low-sodium, no-heat version.

Can I prepare them ahead?
You can marinate and skewer the shrimp up to 4 hours ahead.

Grill just before serving.

What size shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo (16–20 count per pound) are ideal—they stay juicy and won’t overcook quickly.

Final Thoughts

These grilled Cajun shrimp skewers are the ultimate summer dish—bold, buttery, and unbelievably easy to make.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a party or just want something quick and delicious for dinner, this recipe always delivers.

Serve them hot, cold, or in a wrap—they’re always a hit.

Once you try that garlic-Cajun butter combo, you’ll want to put it on everything.