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CAJUN GRILLED SHRIMP RECIPE - PEEL AND EAT

grilled shell on cajun shrimp sprinkled with Italian parsley on a white plate

TL;DR: Cajun grilled peel-and-eat shrimp comes together in about 20 minutes with smoky heat and a juicy, tender bite. Using North Coast’s Naked Raw EZ Peel shrimp, already deveined and chemical-free, keeps prep simple and results consistent.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb 16/20 EZ Peel shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, Cajun seasoning, fresh lime, and chopped parsley.
  • Method: Preheat to 350–450°F; grill shell-on 3–4 minutes over direct heat, flip and finish 3–4 minutes over indirect; toss hot shrimp with oil, seasoning, and lime.
  • Tips: Choose jumbo or colossal shrimp, thaw fully and pat dry, and use soaked skewers for easy handling.
  • Why shell-on: The shell adds savory flavor and protects against overcooking, keeping shrimp plump.
  • Buying and freshness: Look for firm, glossy shells and a clean smell, and choose natural shrimp without added phosphates.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp on the Grill: Recipe and Tips

Grilled Cajun shrimp, featuring EZ peel shrimp, is the recipe that you and your family will be craving all summer long. The succulent shrimp are a healthy, delicious option that you can prepare in under 30 minutes.

Order Shell On Shrimp Online

Check out our Cajun Grilled Shrimp recipe breakdown video below!

[[ recipeID=recipe-8kvh6cue4, title=Cajun Grilled Shrimp ]]

Shrimp are delicious on their own. However, their subtle sweet and salty flavor profile also complements a variety of ingredients. You can season them to your taste with simple black pepper, salt, and spices, or go all-out with a marinade of your choice.

Get creative in the kitchen this year with peel-and-eat shrimp from North Coast Seafoods.

TIPS FOR GRILLING PEEL AND EAT SHRIMP

Grilled peel-and-eat Cajun shrimp is surprisingly simple to whip up. As we said, it’s best to keep the shells on when you can. Cajun shrimp grilled with the shell on results in a more flavorful, succulent dish.

Seafood, in general, can be cooked quickly. The same is true for shrimp, which can easily be cooked through on the grill in under 10 minutes.

When it comes to whipping up Cajun shrimp on the grill, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Choose jumbo or colossal-size shrimp that are easier to grill
  • Make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted dry at room temperature before grilling to ensure they are cooked evenly
  • Skewer your shrimp on a metal or wood skewer (that’s been soaked in water) for easy grilling
  • Preheat your grill to 350-450°F, or medium heat
  • Shrimp cook quickly over direct heat, cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side

WHY SHELL-ON SHRIMP?

Cooking shrimp with the shell on, especially when grilling or making a shrimp cocktail, adds depth of flavor to the shrimp. The shell will impart savory umami notes that amplify the taste of your shrimp.

Leaving the shell on also shields the shrimp from the intense heat of the grill. The shell protects your shrimp from drying out or overcooking. As a result, the shrimp remain nice and juicy, never rubbery.

This recipe is deliciously simple with just 5 ingredients:

  1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  2. Cajun seasoning
  3. Fresh lime
  4. Fresh Italian Parsley
  5. And the star of the show – Naked Raw EZ Peel Shrimp

Our Naked Shrimp are sustainable and chemical-free with no additives, preservatives, or phosphates. This product is also deveined, so no need to do that at home!

WHY WE LOVE SHRIMP

Seafood has a reputation for being healthy, and this is especially true for shrimp. These tiny crustaceans are packed with several nutrients that can boost health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

You may have heard that shrimp has a relatively high cholesterol content, and that’s true. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving contains 161 mg of cholesterol. However, this is primarily dietary cholesterol, which studies have shown is not “bad” for you on its own.

The confusion comes because most foods with significant amounts of dietary cholesterol are also high in saturated fat. However, shrimp do not contain high levels of saturated fat like other foods high in cholesterol. This sets shrimp apart from proteins high in saturated fat, setting it apart from other proteins such as beef and pork.

When enjoyed in moderation, shrimp is a health-conscious choice. Shrimp are packed with vitamins, minerals, and calcium that can support a healthy lifestyle. This is why the American Heart Association encourages eating more shrimp and fish to lower cholesterol.

HOW TO TELL YOUR SHRIMP IS FRESH

Whenever you purchase shrimp, it’s best to make sure it’s still “fresh” (though most shrimp is sold frozen, and that’s okay!). The shell is often a dead giveaway on whether your shrimp should be eaten or passed over. The shells should all have a firm and glossy appearance without any black spots or yellowing. Discoloration can be a sign that the shrimp wasn’t properly stored.

And like with other seafood, if your shrimp smells overly fishy or like a rotten egg, it’s definitely past its prime.

TIPS FOR BUYING NATURAL SHRIMP

When purchasing shrimp, it’s important to be sure you are buying a natural, chemical-free product. Shrimp is notorious for being treated with chemicals and soaked in water to make it larger and be sold for a higher price.

This prevents the shrimp from cooking properly. It also changes the flavor profile and texture of the shrimp, resulting in a chemical flavor and rubbery texture. By contrast, our chemical-free Naked Shrimp boasts a crisp texture and clean flavor profile.

The best way to ensure you are buying a natural, clean shrimp product is to check the ingredient label. Look for phosphates, the most common being sodium tripolyphosphate. Avoid this when you see this on any ingredient label.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for grilled Cajun peel-and-eat?

Yes, just thaw first! We recommend overnight refrigeration, or a cold-water thaw if you’re short on time. Just pat dry before grilling for the best texture and even cooking.

Do I need to marinate the shrimp?

Not for this Cajun grilled shrimp. Grill the shrimp with the shells on. Then, toss the hot shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and fresh lime so the flavors cling without overcooking the meat.

What shrimp size works best for Cajun shrimp on the grill?

Choose jumbo or larger (think 16/20 or bigger). Bigger shrimp are easier to flip, stay juicy over high heat, and are the preferred pick for grilling.

How do I know when my shrimp are done?

Done shrimp turn pink on the outside and white-opaque inside with a firm bite. Pull them as soon as they’re opaque to keep them tender and juicy.

How spicy is Cajun grilled shrimp, and how can I adjust it?

Heat levels vary by Cajun blend, but you control it. Start with the recipe’s amount, then mellow with olive oil and lime, or sprinkle less seasoning for a milder grill.

Do I need to devein shell-on shrimp for this recipe?

No. North Coast’s Naked Raw EZ Peel Shrimp arrive deveined. That means you can go straight to the grill and enjoy easy peel-and-eat results!


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Cajun Grilled Shrimp

In just 20 minutes (or less) you can be noshing on these spicy, smoky, tender grilled shrimp fresh off the grill. This easy recipe is a simple and fun BBQ dish!

Grilled peel-and-eat shrimp is a great recipe even if you’re not a confident chef. Try your hand at grilling this summer with this easy Cajun grilled shrimp recipe and impress your family and friends.

Servings: 3 people

Keywords: Cajun, Grilled, Shrimp

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. bag 16/20 EZ Peel Naked Shrimp thawed and patted dry
  • ¼ cup Extra Virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
  • 2 each Limes juiced
  • Fresh Italian Parsley chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a charcoal grill or preheat your gas grill to medium high heat and scrape clean.
  2. Place shrimp on grill over direct heat, evenly spaced, for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Flip shrimp over and move onto indirect heat (not directly over the flame). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove shrimp from grill into a large bowl.
  5. Add a hearty drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive oil (approx. ¼ cup), about 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, and the juice of 2 freshly squeezed limes.
  6. Mix well. Plate and garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley.
  7. Peel shells before eating and enjoy!