If you’re craving a bold burst of flavor that feels both effortless and indulgent, Baked Cajun Shrimp is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine plump shrimp, tossed in a lively blend of Cajun spices, butter, olive oil, and a pop of lemon, all roasted to juicy perfection in the oven. This dish delivers restaurant-worthy vibrance in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners with friends. Baked Cajun Shrimp is gluten-free, low-carb, and dangerously addictive—you’ll want to mop up every last drop of that luscious, zesty sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cajun Shrimp is that it leans on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing something vital to the party—spice, richness, freshness, or that unmistakable Cajun flair. Here’s why each component matters:
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star; their inherent sweetness pairs perfectly with spicy, buttery flavors.
- Olive Oil: Brings a smooth richness that helps the seasoning cling to every shrimp while keeping the texture succulent.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds luxurious depth and classic Southern mouthfeel—don’t skip it!
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart of this dish; adjust for heat, but stick with good-quality for that authentic spicy, herby punch.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that elevates the flavor and gives the shrimp enticing color.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with savoriness and irresistible aroma.
- Lemon Juice: A bit of brightness balancess the richness and lifts all the flavors to new heights.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that enhances both the look and taste of the final dish.
- Lemon Wedges: The essential finishing touch—just a squeeze offers a zingy contrast to every spicy, buttery mouthful.
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by firing up your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment or giving it a light greasing. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze, so you focus on eating rather than scrubbing.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a generous mixing bowl, whisk together your olive oil, melted butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Give the bowl a sniff—it’s already a party. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until every curve and crevice is coated in that vibrant, zippy marinade.
Step 3: Arrange on the Pan
Pour the shrimp onto your prepared baking sheet. The key is arranging them in a single layer so they cook evenly and each gets a bit of char along the edges. Don’t overcrowd; space helps them roast instead of steam.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the center of your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the Baked Cajun Shrimp have turned rosy-pink and opaque, with juicy centers and a tiny bit of caramelization around the edges.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
As soon as they emerge from the oven, shower your Baked Cajun Shrimp with fresh chopped parsley for color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately, alongside lemon wedges for squeezing. That’s it—pure crowd-pleasing magic, made simple.
How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp
Garnishes
A generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley instantly wakes up the platter, and a few extra lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add their own splash of zing. If you love a bit of heat, try a dash of extra Cajun seasoning or even thin-sliced red chili for garnish.
Side Dishes
The spicy, buttery sauce of Baked Cajun Shrimp is begging for something to soak it up. I highly recommend fluffy white rice, buttery pasta, or a hunk of crusty French bread. For a lighter plate, pair with roasted asparagus, a citrusy green salad, or sautéed zucchini.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Baked Cajun Shrimp family-style creates a festive, interactive vibe—pile the shrimp on a big platter and let everyone dive in. For parties, thread them on skewers for easy finger food. Or nestle the shrimp over creamy polenta for a soul-warming, Southern-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Baked Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll still be packed with flavor and perfect for quick meals the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can technically be frozen after baking, their best texture shines when freshly cooked. If you need to freeze, spread cooled shrimp out on a baking sheet to prevent clumping, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Baked Cajun Shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra olive oil or a few drops of water, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long—a quick blast is okay, but overdoing it risks rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the Cajun butter mixture stick for perfect flavor.
How spicy is Baked Cajun Shrimp?
The heat level all comes down to your Cajun seasoning and personal taste. Want more fire? Add extra or toss in some cayenne. Prefer mild? Choose a mild Cajun blend and reduce chili-based ingredients.
Can I prepare Baked Cajun Shrimp ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mixture a few hours ahead; just keep them covered in the fridge. Bake right before serving for best texture and flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Baked Cajun Shrimp is naturally gluten-free. If you’re sensitive, just double-check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it doesn’t contain hidden gluten-containing additives.
What else can I do with Baked Cajun Shrimp?
Pile them onto tacos, toss through a big leafy salad, or fold into creamy grits for a Cajun twist on shrimp and grits. The leftovers lend themselves beautifully to quick grain bowls or seafood wraps for lunch.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cajun Shrimp truly packs a winning combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine Main Course. Give it a try—and get ready to fall madly in love with those juicy, spicy bites!
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Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend and baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Serve these shrimp with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasoning Mixture:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped), lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare shrimp: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 ounces shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
