Flavorful Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Marinade
A simple and flavorful grilled shrimp skewer recipe featuring a zesty lemon marinade and balanced Cajun spices, perfect for quick meals and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 4–6 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Stir well.
- Toss the shrimp in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates.
- Thread about 5-6 shrimp per skewer, leaving space between each shrimp.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char but remain juicy.
- Remove from grill, let rest for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid texture changes. Pat shrimp dry before marinating for better searing. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning. Turn shrimp only once during grilling. Wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5-6 shrimp ske
- Calories: 180200
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: grilled shrimp, Cajun shrimp, shrimp skewers, lemon marinade, easy shrimp recipe, summer grilling, seafood, quick dinner