Keto Cajun Shrimp
Juicy shrimp seared in a smoky homemade Cajun butter, ready in just 20 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner. Each serving lands at only 2.1g net carbs with 34g of protein, making this bold, spicy skillet a keto staple you'll come back to again and again.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This 20-minute keto Cajun shrimp delivers big, smoky-spicy flavor from a homemade seasoning blend and a quick garlic-lemon butter. It's a fast, protein-packed weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a New Orleans kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to make the Cajun seasoning.
- 2
Pat the shrimp completely dry, then toss in a bowl with the seasoning blend until evenly coated.
- 3
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- 5
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the Cajun butter, about 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips & notes
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up the spiced butter while keeping carbs low.
- Dial the cayenne up or down to control heat; for a milder dish use 1/4 tsp, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto cajun shrimp?
- Each serving has just 2.1g net carbs (2.6g total carbs minus 0.5g fiber), along with 312 calories, 34g protein, and 18g fat. This recipe makes 4 servings.
- What can I serve with keto cajun shrimp?
- Pair it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, sauteed spinach, or a crisp green salad. All of these keep the meal under 5g net carbs total while soaking up the spiced Cajun butter.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes. Swap the butter for ghee (still keto and dairy-light) or use all olive oil. The flavor stays bold thanks to the smoked paprika and cayenne Cajun blend, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
