Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 ServingCalories:220kcalTotal Fat:12gSaturated Fat: 2gTotal Carbohydrate:2gDietary Fiber: 0gSugars: 0gProtein:24g
Keto Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers
We love having a few go-to recipes that feel like total flavor bombs without a lot of prep—and these Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers hit the mark every single time. They’re fast, bold, and perfect when we want something that screams summer cookout without firing up the smoker for hours.
This recipe came together after one of those late afternoons where we were craving something grilled, spicy, and light. We had some wild-caught shrimp thawed, a squeeze bottle of lemon juice on the counter, and a jar of homemade Cajun seasoning ready to go. The grill was hot, the sun was out, and within minutes, we had a keto-friendly feast ready to go.
What makes this dish so special is the balance—the Cajun spices bring the heat, the lemon adds brightness, and the grill gives it that smoky char that makes shrimp sing. It’s the kind of quick win we rely on when we’re short on time but want to eat like it’s a weekend BBQ. Bonus: it’s super low in carbs, high in protein, and endlessly customizable.
Description
These grilled Cajun shrimp skewers are smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor. A keto-friendly crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (sugar-free)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges (for serving)
- 8 skewers 8–10 (metal or wooden soaked in water)
For the Shrimp:
Optional:
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Get your grill hot—medium-high to high heat works best. If using charcoal, make sure the coals are white-hot.
- Prep the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, keeping them snug but not crowded. This helps them cook evenly and flip easily.
- Grill: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges. Don’t overcook—they cook fast!
- Rest & garnish: Let the shrimp rest for 1–2 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Note
Substitutions & Variations
- No grill? Use a grill pan or broil in the oven for similar results.
- Mild version: Skip the cayenne pepper and reduce Cajun seasoning slightly.
- Want it creamy? Serve with a side of chipotle mayo or garlic aioli.
- Different protein? Try scallops or chunks of chicken breast using the same marinade.
- Vegetarian version: Swap shrimp for marinated grilled mushrooms or halloumi cheese chunks.