Spicy Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal time and effort. It's one you'll keep coming back to all grilling season long.

Bold spicy flavor - The combination of Cajun seasoning and sriracha gives these shrimp a flavorful kick without overpowering their natural sweetness.

Easy marinade - A simple marinade comes together quickly and infuses the shrimp with bright, savory flavor.

Quick - under 30 minutes from start to finish - From marinating to grilling, this recipe is fast and perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.

Works for meals or appetizers - Serve these shrimp as a party appetizer or make them the star of a full dinner.

Great for summer grilling - These grilled shrimp skewers are perfect for backyard BBQs, cookouts, and warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients and Their Roles in the Recipe

Each ingredient adds flavor, balance, or helps create perfectly cooked shrimp. This is what you'll need:

• Lime juice - Adds brightness and a touch of acidity that enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
• Olive oil - Helps keep the shrimp moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
• Cajun seasoning - Brings bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
• Black pepper - Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• Sriracha - Gives the shrimp a spicy kick and a hint of tangy heat.
• Garlic - Adds savory richness and aroma.
• Jumbo shrimp - The star of the dish, tender and juicy when cooked properly.

Best Shrimp for Grilling

For the best results, use extra-large, jumbo, or colossal shrimp. Jumbo shrimp are ideal for this recipe because they hold up well on the grill and stay juicy.

Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can easily become overcooked and rubbery.

You can use peeled shrimp for convenience or shell-on shrimp for extra flavor. If using shell-on, just remove the shell before serving.

Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.

How to Make Spicy Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. Here's what to do:

1. Combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and spices in a resealable ziptop bag that is large enough to hold the shrimp too. Add shrimp and place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Turn halfway through to make sure all sides are coated.

2. Take the shrimp out of the marinade and discard the marinade. Thread shrimp on skewers making sure to attach both the top and the tail.

3. Preheat the grill and place the shrimp directly over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side (depending on the size of shrimp used) then remove immediately and serve. Check out the tips below for a good visual way to tell if shrimp are done.

Just look at those delicious grilled shrimp skewers, perfectly cooked, with a spicy, smoky flavor that is bound to have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). And all you had to do was marinate, skewer, and grill for a healthy dinner that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Winner-winner!

How to Know When Shrimp is Done

Want to know when your shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Follow this general rule: straight shrimp are undercooked, O-shaped shrimp are overcooked and rubbery, while C-shaped shrimp are just right.

Shrimp are also done when they turn pink with opaque flesh and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Recipe Tips for Success

Many people think shrimp are hard to cook correctly on the grill, but with these simple tips, you'll get perfect results every time.

• Buy shrimp the day you plan to cook them or use frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed
• When using an acidic marinade, limit marinating time to 30 minutes to prevent a mushy texture
• Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning
• Don't overcrowd the grill so the shrimp cook evenly
• Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking
• Have your sides ready before grilling since shrimp cook quickly

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to customize with different seasoning blends.

• Blackened seasoning - Adds a deeper, smoky flavor
• Creole seasoning - Tony Chachere's is a great option for a classic Creole taste
• Greek seasoning - For a Mediterranean twist
• Mexican seasoning blend - Adds a bold, zesty flavor profile

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp

These shrimp are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dishes.

Serve Cajun grilled shrimp as an appetizer with remoulade or cocktail sauce for dipping.

For a complete meal, try pairing them with:

• Grits - A classic Southern pairing for Cajun shrimp
• Rice - White rice, Spanish rice, or cauliflower rice works well
• Grilled corn on the cob - Sweet and smoky, perfect with shrimp

You can also turn them into full meals like shrimp pasta with alfredo sauce, shrimp salad with vinaigrette, tacos or burritos, or even pair them with steak for a surf-and-turf option.

How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw Leftover Shrimp

After grilling, allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw, transfer the shrimp to the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

How to Reheat Grilled Shrimp

Air Fryer Method: This is the best way to reheat shrimp! Preheat air fryer to 350°F, add shrimp and heat for 2-4 minutes.

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shrimp in a baking dish with a tablespoon of water or broth. Cover with foil and heat for about 10 minutes.

Microwave Method: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish with a little liquid and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.

Grilling Method: Reheat on the grill over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side to maintain that grilled flavor.

More Easy Grilling Recipes

Looking for more delicious recipes to throw on the grill? These are great options for your next cookout.

• Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa - Juicy chicken topped with fresh, fruity salsa.
• Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter - Tender steak with rich herb butter.
• Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa - Light and flavorful with a tropical twist.
• Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops - Sweet and savory pork with grilled pineapple.
• Grilled Salmon Skewers - A delicious seafood option with bold flavor.

Find lots of delicious and easy recipes for seafood and the best grilling recipes right here on 2CM!