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Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 88 reviews

This Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp recipe combines succulent jumbo shrimp with a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. Perfectly seared in a skillet and finished with a zesty lemon touch, these shrimp make a quick and impressive meal that’s ideal for serving over rice, polenta, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 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

Hot Honey Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to warm.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
  4. Add aromatics and butter: Stir in 4 tablespoons of salted butter, the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon zest into the pan with the shrimp.
  5. Cook garlic and herbs: Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and turn golden without burning, infusing the butter with flavor.
  6. Finish with lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of one lemon to brighten the dish.
  7. Prepare hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter with the honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until smoothly combined and warmed through.
  8. Drizzle the sauce: Pour the prepared hot honey sauce evenly over the cooked shrimp just before serving.
  9. Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with flaky salt for added texture and serve the shrimp over creamy polenta, steamed rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For milder heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce.
  • Ensure shrimp are patted dry before seasoning to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
  • This dish pairs well with side dishes like polenta, rice, or fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
  • You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead and warm gently just before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Keywords: Cajun Shrimp, Hot Honey Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Cajun Seafood, Quick Dinner, Skillet Shrimp, Spicy Sweet Shrimp

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/cajun-hot-honey-shrimp-recipe/