This Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp is a tasty dish packed with flavors! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sweet and spicy butter sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. I love serving it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up that yummy sauce—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work well too. Just thaw them properly before cooking. I often prefer wild-caught shrimp for their flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using coconut oil or ghee. They both add a nice richness to the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds a kick! If you don’t have it, mix paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper as a substitute. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Honey: For sweetness, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will give a similarly delicious flavor, though honey offers a more complex taste.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish! If you don’t have it, try cilantro for a different flavor, or skip it altogether if fresh herbs aren’t available.
How Can I Avoid Overcooking Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Here are some tips to help you cook them just right:
- Use a medium-high heat to cook quickly. This helps them retain moisture.
- Watch the color closely! Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done.
- If cooking in batches, make sure not to crowd the pan. This helps maintain the heat for even cooking.
By keeping a close eye on them, you’ll achieve that tender, juicy texture every time!
Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lemon (for juice and wedges)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crusty bread or cooked rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend around 20 minutes making this delightful dish—perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Make sure to mix it well so that the shrimp are evenly coated. Set aside for now.
2. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt and heat up until it starts to sizzle.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want to do this just until you can smell the yummy garlic fragrance—be careful not to burn it!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to crowd the pan. Cook for around 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. If your skillet is too small, feel free to cook them in batches.
5. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the honey, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Gently stir everything together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are well coated in the sweet and spicy honey butter sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and add lemon wedges for a bright touch. Serve this delicious shrimp hot with crusty bread or over rice to soak up that amazing sauce.
Enjoy your rich and spicy Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp—it’s a simple yet impressive dish that your taste buds will thank you for!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thoroughly thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge that bag in cold water for a quick thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can create a homemade version by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Adjust the cayenne based on how spicy you want it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, making sure not to overcook the shrimp again!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, adding veggies is a great idea! Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini can be included. Just sauté them in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly.
