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Quick Cajun Butter Shrimp Scampi

Quick Cajun Butter Shrimp Scampi - featured image
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A quick and flavorful shrimp scampi recipe that balances bold Cajun heat with buttery richness, ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (medium to large size)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: pasta or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt and foam but not brown, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Sprinkle the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and slightly curled.
  6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Stir gently to combine and melt the butter into a silky sauce coating the shrimp.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and stir just to combine.
  8. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, steamed rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, Cajun shrimp, quick dinner, butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp, seafood dinner

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-cajun-butter-shrimp-scampi-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-idea/