Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Cajun Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that brings the spicy essence of the South to your table. With a zesty Cajun seasoning blend, tender shrimp, and a quick bake time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s simple, delicious, and packed with smoky heat and buttery richness.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
large shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilmelted butterCajun seasoninggarlic cloveslemon juicelemon wedgesfresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice.
Add shrimp to the mixture and toss until well coated.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
Serves 4Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 8-10 minutesTotal time: 18-20 minutes
Variations
Add sliced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and color.
Use smoked paprika and cayenne for a homemade Cajun seasoning.
Add a splash of white wine or broth for extra moisture.
Serve over creamy grits for a Southern twist.
Toss with cooked pasta for a quick Cajun shrimp pasta.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.Do not overcook when reheating to avoid rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before using.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by changing the amount of Cajun seasoning.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, grill on skewers or in a grill basket for 2-3 minutes per side.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well in a keto diet.
Conclusion
Baked Cajun Shrimp is a quick, flavorful recipe that delivers a spicy kick with minimal effort. Whether served as a main course or a zesty appetizer, this dish is sure to become a favorite for its bold taste and easy preparation. Perfect for spicing up any meal with a Southern flair.
Print
Baked Cajun Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 appetizer servings (or 2 as main) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender jumbo shrimp coated in a homemade Cajun spice blend, baked quickly in the oven for a flavorful appetizer or light main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or crushed red pepper)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C).
- Peeled and deveined shrimp (tails on or off) should be thawed and patted dry.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and salt.
- Place shrimp in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, add the spice blend, and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, avoiding overlap.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately, optionally with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Best served fresh—reheating can make shrimp rubbery.
- Prep ahead by seasoning shrimp in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
- Serve with bread to soak up juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 4 oz shrimp)
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 937 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 143 mg
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