Name: Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1½ lbs raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 tbsp salted butter; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried); Zest and juice of 1 lemon; ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp salted butter; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Kosher salt, to taste

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Introduction

Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp is a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that come together in a quick and satisfying dish. With tender jumbo shrimp coated in a bold Cajun seasoning and drizzled with a fiery honey sauce, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer.

A white round plate holds a serving of golden-brown shrimp cooked with a glistening, oily garlic herb sauce. The shrimp are slightly curled, showing a mix of charred and juicy textures. Small bits of green herbs and finely chopped garlic are scattered over and among the shrimp, adding color contrast. The sauce pools at the base of the plate with a warm amber shine, enhancing the rich, cooked look of the shrimp. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, creating a bright and clean background for the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ lbs raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp salted butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp salted butter
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them with the Cajun seasoning and black pepper to coat evenly.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and begin to curl.
Step 4: Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, thyme, and lemon zest; cook for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice to add brightness to the dish.
Step 6: In a small saucepan, gently melt the honey together with 2 tablespoons of butter, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 7: Drizzle the hot honey sauce evenly over the shrimp just before serving.
Step 8: Optionally, sprinkle flaky salt on top and serve the shrimp over polenta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely while keeping the other spices.
Fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Try swapping the shrimp for scallops or chicken tenders for a different protein with the same sauce.
Serve with a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. The honey sauce may thicken when chilled; warm it slightly to restore its pourable consistency.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white round plate with a green rim holding a creamy yellow layer of grits spread flat at the bottom. On top of this are many orange-brown shrimp covered in a glossy, spicy reddish sauce, arranged in a loose pile in the center. Small fresh green herb leaves are scattered over the shrimp for garnish. On the right side of the plate, there is one half of a grilled lemon, showing char marks and a golden-brown color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on how much cayenne pepper you use. The recipe balances heat with sweetness from the honey, but you can adjust the spice to suit your preference by reducing or omitting the cayenne.