Baked Cajun Shrimp is a spicy and zesty dish that’s packed with flavor! In just a short time, you can enjoy juicy shrimp sprinkled with Cajun spices and baked to perfection. Yum!
Honestly, this dish makes your kitchen smell amazing, like a little fiesta! 🎉 I love serving it with rice or a fresh salad for a fun meal that’s easy to whip up any night.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this recipe as they have a satisfying texture. You can substitute with scallops or chicken breast if you have specific preferences. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined – this saves prep time.
Olive oil or butter: I love using melted butter for richer flavor, but olive oil works great too. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil or avocado oil; both give a nice taste.
Cajun seasoning: You can make your own with a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme if you’re out of store-bought. If you like it spicier, bump up the cayenne!
Breadcrumbs: They’re optional, but I enjoy a little crunch. You can use panko for more crispiness or omit them entirely for a lighter dish.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness, but feel free to use chives or omit it if you prefer a simple preparation.
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they can quickly go from tender to rubbery if overcooked. Here are a few tips to ensure they come out just right:
- Keep an eye on the timer. Bake the shrimp only for 8–10 minutes in the oven. They’ll shrink and turn pink when they’re thoroughly cooked.
- Look for the color. Cooked shrimp turn opaque and get a lovely pink shade. If they’re still translucent, give them a minute or two more.
- Arrange them in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. Overlapping shrimp can result in unevenly cooked pieces.
Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for slight crispiness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and just 8-10 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure the shrimp cook evenly.
2. Mix the Seasoning:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. This will create a delicious coating for the shrimp.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to make sure all the shrimp are coated evenly with the seasoning mixture. This will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!
4. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the dish. If you’re using breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch, sprinkle them evenly over the shrimp now.
5. Bake the Shrimp:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn opaque and pink.
6. Add Finishing Touches:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp. This adds a lovely pop of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your baked Cajun shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. They pair wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. Dive in and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before marinating to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit any additional cayenne or paprika. To spice it up, you can add an extra dash of Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes before baking!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the shrimp’s texture. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent them from becoming rubbery!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp with the seasoning up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
