Baked Cajun Shrimp is a mouthwatering, flavor-packed seafood dish that brings the bold and spicy flavors of Louisiana straight to your dinner table. This recipe features juicy shrimp tossed in a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, garlic, and butter, then baked to perfection. The result is a dish bursting with smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors that pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even meal prep. With minimal prep time and a quick baking process, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Cajun Seasoning Mix:
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
Step 4: Season the Shrimp
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mix over the shrimp and toss again to ensure every piece is well-coated with the bold flavors.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or Cajun-style dirty rice.
- With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with cooked pasta and a light butter sauce for a delicious shrimp Cajun pasta dish.
- With Bread: Pair with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- As a Taco Filling: Use the shrimp in tacos with fresh slaw and a drizzle of lime crema.
Calories and Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~260 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
(Note: The calorie count may vary based on portion sizes and additional ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
Baked Cajun Shrimp is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you serve it as a main course, an appetizer, or a meal prep option, this dish is sure to impress. With its bold seasoning and juicy shrimp, this recipe will become a staple in your home. Try it today and bring a little taste of Louisiana to your kitchen!