Zesty Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Succulent cajun shrimp dance with vibrant spices, promising a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Coastal Louisiana traditions inspire this zesty seafood marvel.

Peppers, garlic, and robust seasonings create a mouthwatering symphony of heat and depth.

Wild caught shrimp absorb complex layers of cayenne and paprika, turning each bite into a culinary adventure.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum satisfaction with this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Crispy, golden-edged shrimp emerge from the oven, ready to become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Prepare to transport you and your dinner companions straight to the heart of new orleans with just one forkful.

Baked Cajun Shrimp with Bold Flavors

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this Cajun shrimp recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a mouthwatering dish in just a few steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious and speedy meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Pack a punch with bold Cajun seasonings that will satisfy spice lovers and impress dinner guests with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that pairs perfectly with rice, salad, or as a standalone protein option.

Ingredients for Spicy Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh and succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this Cajun-style dish.

• Canola Oil, Cooking Spray: Neutral-flavored oils that help coat the shrimp and prevent sticking during baking.

• Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme Leaves, Ground Oregano: A robust blend of spices that creates a bold and zesty Cajun flavor profile.

• Lemon Wedge: A citrusy addition that brightens the flavors and adds a fresh touch to the baked shrimp.

How to Bake Shrimp with Cajun Seasoning

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a cookie sheet and line it with aluminum foil.

Give the foil a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Coat Shrimp With Oil

Tumble the shrimp into a mixing bowl.

Pour in canola oil and give the bowl a gentle shake, ensuring every single shrimp gets a slick, glossy coating.

Step 3: Create Spice Blend

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Thyme leaves
• Ground oregano

Step 4: Season The Shrimp

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled shrimp.

Cover the bowl and shake thoroughly so each shrimp gets an even, zesty layer of seasoning.

Step 5: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the prepared cookie sheet.

Make sure they’re not overlapping for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Transfer the sizzling Cajun shrimp to a serving platter.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy kick. Dig in while hot!

Tips to Keep Shrimp Juicy and Flavorful

• Spray foil with cooking oil to ensure shrimp won't stick and can be easily removed from the baking sheet.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to make the dish milder or spicier based on personal heat tolerance.
• Shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely during the 10-minute baking time to avoid overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
• Gently shake the bowl to ensure every shrimp is evenly and thoroughly coated with spices for consistent taste in each bite.
• Enjoy immediately after baking to experience the best flavor and maintain the perfect texture of the Cajun shrimp.

Variations to Try with Cajun Shrimp

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Replace cayenne with fresh minced garlic and add lemon zest to the spice mix for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Substitute oregano with dried basil, add dried rosemary, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese after baking for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp: Mix in mild curry powder, replace canola oil with coconut oil, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a tropical-inspired seafood dish.
• Smoky Chipotle Shrimp: Swap cayenne pepper with ground chipotle powder, add smoked cumin, and serve with a side of creamy avocado sauce for extra depth.

Pairing Ideas to Serve Alongside Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the spicy Cajun flavors and refreshes the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic French bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious spice-infused oils and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Match with Cool Herbed Dip: Create a creamy Greek yogurt-based dip with fresh dill, chives, and a touch of lemon zest to balance the heat and add a cooling element to the spicy dish.

Storage Tips for Leftover Shrimp

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pack cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen shrimp can last up to 2 months when properly stored.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this Cajun Shrimp recipe?

The key spices include smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano, which create a bold and authentic Cajun flavor profile.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the dish?

Yes, you can easily control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a spicier kick.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Baked Cajun Shrimp can be prepared quickly and makes an excellent protein option for salads, pasta, or as a standalone dish that can be made ahead of time.

Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bake dances with zesty Louisiana flavors, bringing bold seasoning and rich seafood traditions to your dinner table. Southern comfort meets culinary excitement in this quick and irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with aluminum foil and lightly coating with cooking spray at 350F (175C).
2. Transfer shrimp into a mixing container and drizzle canola oil, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
3. Create a robust spice blend combining smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano in a separate small container.
4. Sprinkle the entire spice mixture over the oil-coated shrimp, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Carefully spread the seasoned shrimp across the prepared baking sheet in a uniform, single layer without overcrowding.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for precisely 10 minutes, ensuring shrimp turn opaque and develop a light golden exterior.
7. Remove from oven and immediately garnish with fresh lemon wedges, serving while piping hot to capture maximum flavor intensity.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this Cajun-style dish.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, reducing or increasing for milder or spicier results.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure the spice mixture adheres properly and creates a crispy exterior.
• For a gluten-free option, verify all spices are certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg