Grilled Cajun Lemon Shrimp

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Fire up the grill and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Grilled Cajun Lemon Shrimp. This zesty and succulent dish combines the smoky char of grilled shrimp with a burst of Cajun seasoning and tangy lemon zest. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your summer grilling repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering seafood dish that will impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and elevate your grill game with these delicious Cajun Lemon Shrimp!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Argentine Red shrimp recommended)
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp basil
  • ¼ tsp chili powder

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Grill: Clean the grill grates and spray them with a non-stick spray. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, brown sugar, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, basil, and chili powder until well combined. This flavorful seasoning blend will infuse the shrimp with Cajun-inspired goodness.
  3. Season the Shrimp: Pat dry the peeled and deveined shrimp, then place them in a large resealable bag. Add the seasoning mixture to the bag, seal it tightly, and gently shake to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices. Once coated, remove the shrimp from the bag and place them on a plate for skewering.
  4. Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers, alternating with thin lemon rounds for added flavor. Slicing one lemon into rounds and squeezing juice from the remaining lemon will infuse the shrimp with bright citrus notes as they grill.
  5. Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers directly onto the preheated grill. As the shrimp cook, squeeze lemon juice over them to enhance the flavor and keep them moist. Grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and cooked through, with vibrant grill marks.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and squeeze additional lemon juice over them for an extra burst of citrus freshness. Serve the Grilled Cajun Lemon Shrimp hot off the grill and savor the irresistible flavors of summer.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: (Calories may vary depending on shrimp size and serving size)

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve Grilled Cajun Lemon Shrimp with a variety of side dishes such as rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  2. Make it a Meal: Use the grilled shrimp to create flavorful tacos, wraps, or sliders by stuffing them into tortillas or buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
  3. Dip and Enjoy: Provide dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or tangy cocktail sauce for guests to enjoy with the grilled shrimp, adding an extra layer of flavor and versatility.
  4. Create a Seafood Platter: Arrange the grilled shrimp alongside other seafood favorites such as crab cakes, grilled fish, or scallops for an impressive seafood platter that’s perfect for entertaining.
  5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the grilled shrimp with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through before serving.
  2. Freezing: While grilled shrimp can be frozen, it may affect the texture and flavor. If freezing, allow the shrimp to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Use within 1-2 months for the best quality.
  3. Use within Timeframe: Consume frozen grilled shrimp within 1-2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Beyond that, the quality may begin to deteriorate.
  4. Avoid Overcooking: To prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery upon reheating, avoid overcooking them. Heat just until warmed through to preserve their juicy texture and delicate flavor.

Variations:

  1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a spicier flavor profile.
  2. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Enhance the citrusy notes by adding minced garlic and melted butter to the seasoning mixture before coating the shrimp for a luscious lemon garlic butter flavor.
  3. Herb-Infused Shrimp: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary by incorporating them into the seasoning mixture for a fragrant and aromatic twist.
  4. Asian-Inspired Shrimp: Substitute the Cajun seasoning with a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired marinade that pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp.
  5. Mango Salsa Shrimp: Serve the grilled shrimp topped with homemade mango salsa made with diced mangoes, red onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice for a tropical and refreshing flavor combination.
  6. Tequila Lime Shrimp: Infuse the shrimp with the flavors of tequila and lime by marinating them in a mixture of tequila, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro before grilling.
  7. Coconut-Crusted Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs before grilling for a crispy and flavorful crust.
  8. Honey Mustard Glazed Shrimp: Brush the grilled shrimp with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and tangy glaze.
  9. Sriracha Lime Shrimp: Add a kick of heat to the shrimp by tossing them in a blend of Sriracha sauce, lime juice, honey, and garlic before grilling.
  10. Caprese Shrimp Skewers: Alternate grilled shrimp with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers for a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw them completely before grilling to ensure even cooking.
  2. What is Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, and can I substitute it with another Cajun seasoning? Slap Ya Mama® seasoning is a popular Cajun seasoning blend. If unavailable, you can substitute it with any other Cajun seasoning or make your own using a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill? To prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Additionally, threading the shrimp onto skewers helps prevent them from falling through the grates.
  4. Can I grill the shrimp indoors using a grill pan? Yes, you can grill the shrimp indoors using a grill pan or a stovetop grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions for grilling the shrimp.
  5. What is the best way to devein shrimp? To devein shrimp, use a small knife or shrimp deveiner tool to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them thoroughly.
  6. Can I marinate the shrimp before grilling? Yes, you can marinate the shrimp in your favorite marinade for added flavor. However, since shrimp cook quickly, avoid marinating them for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to “cook” the shrimp.
  7. How can I tell when the shrimp are done cooking? Shrimp are cooked through when they turn opaque and firm up, with a pinkish hue. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
  8. Can I use a different type of seafood for this recipe? Yes, you can use a variety of seafood such as scallops, lobster tails, or fish fillets in place of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and size of seafood used.
  9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? While this recipe is specifically for grilled shrimp, you can use the seasoning blend and grilling techniques with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a vegetarian or vegan option.
  10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a barbecue or party? Yes, you can prepare the seasoning mixture and marinate the shrimp in advance, then grill them just before serving. This allows you to streamline the cooking process and enjoy fresh, flavorful shrimp with minimal effort when guests arrive.

With its bold Cajun seasoning, zesty lemon accents, and succulent grilled shrimp, this recipe for Grilled Cajun Lemon Shrimp is a flavor-packed delight that will elevate your summer grilling experience. Whether enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or added to salads and pasta dishes, these shrimp skewers are sure to impress with their irresistible taste and aroma. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a taste of summer with this mouthwatering Cajun-inspired dish!