Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, bold Cajun spices, and a simple cooking method that results in a flavor-packed dish with minimal effort. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive appetizer, or even a party-worthy snack. The heat and smokiness of Cajun seasoning come together to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making this recipe irresistible.

Unlike traditional fried shrimp, this version is baked, which keeps it lighter and healthier while still delivering plenty of flavor. The shrimp remain juicy and tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, making every bite a satisfying experience.

Whether you serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauce, toss them in a salad, or pair them with pasta or rice, Baked Cajun Shrimp is a dish that’s versatile and sure to please.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will allow the shrimp to cook quickly, giving them a nice crisp on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

• Peel and Devein: If the shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, remove the shell, leaving the tail on or off depending on your preference. Use a small knife or deveining tool to remove the dark vein along the back.
• Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is important because it helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives them a nice texture when baked.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)

Toss the shrimp in this seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. You want to make sure each shrimp is well-coated in the flavorful spice mix. Allow the shrimp to sit for about 10 minutes to marinate and absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp on the Baking Sheet

Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to spread them out so that they cook evenly. If they’re stacked or crowded together, they might not cook through properly or get that nice crispy edge.

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp. For large shrimp (16-20 count), 8 minutes should be sufficient. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery and tough. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up into a “C” shape and are no longer translucent.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Pasta: Toss the baked Cajun shrimp in your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful dish. A creamy Alfredo sauce or a lemon garlic butter sauce would complement the spice perfectly.
• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• As a Salad Topping: These shrimp make a great addition to a fresh salad. Toss them with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
• With Dipping Sauce: For an added layer of flavor, serve the shrimp with a dipping sauce. Cocktail sauce, spicy aioli, or garlic butter are all excellent choices.
• On Tacos: For a quick and flavorful taco night, use these baked Cajun shrimp as the filling. Top with shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp:

1. Choose the Right Shrimp:

• Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal for this recipe because they hold up well to baking and offer a satisfying bite. The size of the shrimp will also impact the cooking time—smaller shrimp may need only 6-8 minutes, while larger shrimp may take a bit longer.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:

Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Once the shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled into a “C” shape, they are ready to be removed from the oven.

3. Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning:

While store-bought Cajun seasoning works well, making your own is easy and ensures the freshest flavors. Here’s a simple homemade Cajun seasoning blend you can use:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This homemade blend can be used in other recipes like chicken, vegetables, or even potatoes.

4. Marinate the Shrimp:

Letting the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes before baking allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp more deeply. However, don’t marinate for too long, as shrimp are delicate and can break down in acid (like lemon juice) if left too long.

5. Experiment with Spices:

While Cajun seasoning is a classic choice, feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Add extra cayenne for heat, or toss in a little smoked paprika for an even deeper smoky flavor. You can also include a dash of cumin or chili powder for a different twist.

6. Bake on High Heat:

Baking the shrimp at a high temperature (400°F) allows the shrimp to cook quickly and retain their moisture, ensuring they’re tender and juicy. This temperature also helps achieve a nice light crisp on the edges of the shrimp.

7. Use a Baking Sheet with a Rack:

For even crispiness, consider using a baking sheet with a wire rack. This allows heat to circulate around the shrimp, which can help them cook more evenly and become crisper on all sides.

Variations:

1. Spicy Honey Cajun Shrimp:

For a touch of sweetness to balance the heat, drizzle the baked shrimp with some honey or a honey-cayenne sauce after baking. This sweet-and-spicy combination is a great contrast to the bold Cajun seasoning.

2. Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp:

Toss the baked shrimp in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. The rich garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with the spiced shrimp, creating an indulgent dish.

3. Coconut-Curry Cajun Shrimp:

For a tropical twist, coat the shrimp with a mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, and Cajun seasoning. Bake as directed, and serve with a side of coconut rice for a flavorful fusion meal.

4. Shrimp Skewers:

For a fun presentation, you can thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers before baking. This makes it easy to grill as well, and the skewers are perfect for serving at a party or BBQ.

Conclusion:

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp every time.

With endless variations and serving suggestions, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or rich, Baked Cajun Shrimp is versatile enough to accommodate any flavor profile.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy a meal full of flavor with minimal effort. Happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Print

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, bold Cajun spices, and a simple cooking method that results in a flavor-packed dish with minimal effort. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive appetizer, or even a party-worthy snack. The heat and smokiness of Cajun seasoning come together to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making this recipe irresistible.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, as preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil (or melted butter), Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Arrange the shrimp: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
4. Bake the shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
5. Optional finishing touch: Once the shrimp are done baking, you can drizzle them with a little fresh lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, like rice, vegetables, or a salad.

Notes

• Cajun seasoning: You can adjust the level of spice based on your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can also make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
• Customization: If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Serving ideas: These shrimp are great served over a bed of rice, on top of a salad, or even in tacos. You could also pair them with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or a garlic butter sauce.