Baked Cajun Shrimp is a zesty treat for your taste buds! These shrimp are coated in a mix of spicy Cajun seasoning and baked until they’re juicy and tender. Yum!
It’s super easy to whip up! I love serving them with rice or veggies for a colorful meal that feels fancy but is so simple to make. Plus, the aroma is irresistible! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are the star here! You can use frozen shrimp if you prefer, just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking. If you’re not a shrimp fan, feel free to substitute with chicken or replace it with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add great flavor! I usually stick with olive oil for a lighter touch. However, melted butter can bring a richer taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, stick to olive oil or use a vegan butter substitute.
Cajun Seasoning: Homemade Cajun seasoning is fun to make, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re in a pinch, you can combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs from your pantry for a quick substitute.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat, but you can skip it or reduce the amount if you prefer your shrimp milder. A dash of hot sauce after cooking can also spice it up without overwhelming the dish.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp to perfection can be tricky. To keep them tender, watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook quickly and only need about 8-10 minutes in the oven. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so go for slightly undercooked if you’re unsure as they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out.
- Preheat your oven properly to get the best roast on your shrimp.
- Toss shrimp evenly in the seasoning to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Pay attention to the size of the shrimp; larger shrimp may take a minute or two longer.
When you see them curling slightly and changing color, you know they’re ready. Keeping these tips in mind will lead to deliciously baked Cajun shrimp! Enjoy your cooking!
Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for baking and garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of baking. In total, you can have this tasty dish ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for evenly cooking and roasting the shrimp.
2. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter) with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the minced garlic as well and mix everything together until well combined.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them gently in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated and look vibrant and flavorful.
4. Arrange the Shrimp:
Spread the seasoned shrimp out in a single layer in a baking dish or sheet pan. This ensures that they cook evenly.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
Place the thin lemon slices over and around the shrimp. This will add a refreshing flavor as they bake!
6. Bake the Shrimp:
Put the shrimp in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough if left too long.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the shrimp out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges if desired. This adds a lovely touch of color and zesty flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your flavorful Baked Cajun Shrimp immediately. They pair wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every spicy, delicious bite!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water in a sealed bag for a quick thaw.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own blend using equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you want it!
How Do I Know When the Shrimp Are Done Cooking?
Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook! They are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually within 8-10 minutes in the oven. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or a skillet over low heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.