These baked Cajun shrimp are full of flavor and super easy to make! Just toss shrimp with zesty Cajun spices, a touch of oil, and bake until they’re juicy and tender.
Serving these shrimp is a blast! I like to enjoy them with rice or tossed in a salad. It’s a quick dish that always brings the fun to dinner time. Can’t resist that spice! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are key for this dish. Fresh or frozen work great, but if using frozen, thaw them first. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you could swap for chicken breast or tofu for a similar experience.
Cajun Seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning for convenience, but I love making my own mix with a blend of spices you might already have. If you want a milder version, use less cayenne pepper or skip it entirely.
Butter or Olive Oil: Using melted butter gives a rich flavor, but olive oil is a great lighter option. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, stick to olive oil.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is always better for flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Juicy and Not Overcooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s how to get juicy shrimp every time:
- Preheat your oven fully to reach the right temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; 8-10 minutes is usually enough. Once they are pink and opaque, they are done!
- Let them rest for a minute after baking. This locks in more moisture before you dive in!
With these tips, you can serve up perfectly cooked Cajun shrimp that are flavorful and tender! Enjoy!
Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of baking time, for a total of about 25 minutes. Quick and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key to get those shrimp perfectly cooked!
2. Mix Your Spices:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well with a spoon or whisk until everything is blended nicely.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the cleaned shrimp to the bowl and toss them around until they are well coated in the spice mixture. Make sure every shrimp gets a good layer of flavor!
4. Arrange and Bake:
Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or an oven-safe pan. Make sure they’re not overcrowded for even cooking. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
5. Final Touches:
Once they’re cooked, take the shrimp out of the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh look. The green adds a nice touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these zesty baked Cajun shrimp immediately, with lemon slices on the side for squeezing over the top. They’re perfect as an appetizer, over a bed of rice, or tossed in a salad!
Enjoy your delicious, spicy Baked Cajun Shrimp! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table! 🌶️
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe or omit it altogether. You can always add more spice after cooking to suit your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp with the seasoning mix a couple of hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep them moist, or microwave in short increments, stirring occasionally.
