BAKED CAJUN SHRIMP
A tasty, quick, and simple recipe that’s ideal for dinner or as an appetizer at a gathering is baked Cajun shrimp. A strong Cajun spice blend is used to season the shrimp, which are then roasted until they are juicy and soft.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Components:
1 pound (16–20) huge shrimp that have been deveined and skinned
Two tablespoons of olive oil
One tablespoon of homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning
Half a teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon powdered garlic
1/4 teaspoon powdered onion
1/4 teaspoon of thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt, or more if desired
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
One tablespoon of lemon juice
One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving, if desired)
Directions:
Set the oven’s temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. A baking sheet can be lightly oiled with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
Get the shrimp ready:
To get rid of extra moisture, pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. They will bake more effectively and avoid steaming as a result.
Combine the shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika, Cajun spice, onion and garlic powders, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Ensure that the seasoning is uniformly distributed over the shrimp.
On the baking sheet, arrange the shrimp:
Line the prepared baking sheet with a single layer of the seasoned shrimp. To guarantee uniform cooking, make sure they are not packed too full.
Bake the shrimp.
The shrimp should be cooked through and opaque and pink after 8 to 10 minutes of baking in a preheated oven. Depending on the size of your shrimp, the precise time may change.
Complete and serve:
When the shrimp are cooked, take them out of the oven and pour some lemon juice over them for a new taste boost.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Advice:
To make your own Cajun seasoning, mix together 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and salt to taste.
Serving Ideas:
You may eat these baked Cajun shrimp by themselves, with rice, or mixed with spaghetti. They’re also a fantastic addition to tacos or salads!
Tips & Tricks:
Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp – If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Don’t Overbake – Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
Marinate for More Flavor – Let shrimp sit in Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
Use a Hot Oven – Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a nice sear while keeping the shrimp juicy.
Add Lemon at the End – A squeeze of fresh lemon after baking enhances the Cajun flavors.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
Calories: ~200 kcal
Protein: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: <1g
Fat: ~9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: ~180mg
Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on Cajun seasoning)
Have fun!
This recipe for baked Cajun shrimp is a simple and quick way to savor a spicy and tasty seafood dish. It’s ideal for big occasions, get-togethers, and weeknight dinners!