Delicious Louisiana Style Shrimp Recipe

Bring the bold, fiery flavors of the South into your kitchen with Louisiana Style Shrimp. This Cajun-inspired dish is all about perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a spicy, buttery sauce that’s rich, tangy, and mouthwateringly delicious. Ideal for weeknight dinners, quick meals, or even casual gatherings, this recipe combines speed, flavor, and a touch of southern charm.

Louisiana cuisine is famous for its bold spices and comforting richness, and shrimp is a staple of Creole and Cajun dishes. With just a few simple ingredients — butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and lemon — you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from New Orleans. Serve over rice, grits, or pasta to soak up the buttery, spicy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a weeknight-friendly dinner.
• Bold Cajun Flavors: Spicy, smoky, and buttery in every bite.
• Versatile Serving: Great over rice, grits, or even toasted bread.
• Protein-Rich: Shrimp provides a healthy, lean protein source.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners or parties with friends.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp:
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly and keeps the sauce from becoming watery.
2. Season the shrimp:
   In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat the pan:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy.
4. Cook the shrimp:
   Add shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized.
5. Add garlic:
   Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Finish with lemon and parsley:
   Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat.
7. Serve immediately:
   Serve the Louisiana Style Shrimp hot over cooked rice, creamy grits, pasta, or even toasted baguette slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice or Grits: Perfect for soaking up the buttery Cajun sauce.
• With Pasta: Toss with linguine or fettuccine for a Southern seafood pasta dish.
• As Tacos: Use as a filling for spicy shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage.
• With Vegetables: Pair with roasted or sautéed bell peppers and onions for a full meal.
• Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and lemon wedges for casual entertaining.

Tips for Perfect Louisiana Shrimp

• Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Pat Dry for Crispiness: Removing excess moisture allows better sear and sauce consistency.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: Increase or decrease Cajun seasoning based on desired heat level.
• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens and balances the rich buttery sauce.
• Garnish for Freshness: Parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note that complements the spices.

Fun Facts About Cajun Cuisine

• Cajun cuisine originated with French-speaking Acadians in Louisiana and is known for bold, rustic flavors.
• Shrimp, crawfish, and other seafood are staples of Louisiana cooking due to the Gulf of Mexico’s abundance.
• Typical Cajun seasoning blends include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
• Butter and garlic sauces are classic Southern techniques for enhancing flavor without heavy cream.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein: Shrimp is low in calories and fat but high in protein and selenium.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic contains allicin, which may help boost immunity.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds monounsaturated fats to support cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin C Boost: Lemon juice adds vitamin C, helping with immunity and antioxidant support.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana Style Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the bold taste of Southern cuisine to your table. Juicy shrimp coated in a buttery, garlicky, and spicy sauce is versatile, healthy, and utterly addictive. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights, festive dinners, or casual entertaining.

Louisiana Style Shrimp

Spicy, buttery Louisiana-style shrimp cooked with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and lemon, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or Southern-inspired gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until foamy.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley, tossing gently.
7. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or as desired.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve with crusty bread or over grains for a complete meal.