Get ready to fall for the bold, zesty flavors of Baked Cajun Shrimp! This quick oven-baked dish turns juicy shrimp into a weeknight standout with a crave-worthy Cajun kick, a burst of bright lemon, and an irresistible aroma that will have everyone running to the table. Whether you’re fixing dinner in a rush or treating friends to a feast, Baked Cajun Shrimp always delivers sunshine and spice in every juicy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Cajun Shrimp comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a unique part—whether it’s adding heat, brightness, or that perfect smoky touch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined—these are the star of the dish, turning perfectly tender and flavorful in just minutes.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp and adds a silkiness that keeps everything moist and luxurious.
- Cajun seasoning: The key to that signature Southern flavor, with a fiery blend of spices that wakes up every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle, smoky depth that rounds out the heat and elevates the whole dish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for pungency and that addictive savory note everyone loves.
- Lemon juice: Adds a pop of acidity that brightens and balances, making the shrimp taste even sweeter.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on at the end, it adds a touch of color and freshness for beautiful presentation.
- Salt and pepper: Brings the flavors together and lets the spices shine without overwhelming the shrimp.
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Giving your oven a good head start ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly for that juicy, never-overdone texture we all crave in Baked Cajun Shrimp.
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp in Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss vigorously until every piece is coated with that spicy, heady blend. If you have a few extra minutes, let the shrimp marinate for 15–30 minutes; this deepens the flavors and makes the shrimp even more irresistible.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up. Spread out the seasoned shrimp in a single layer—giving them a little space ensures they roast instead of steaming. You want those edges to get a tiny bit golden!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray onto the middle rack and bake for 8–10 minutes. Watch as the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and curl into little crescents. Don’t walk away; shrimp cook fast, and you want to pull them as soon as they’re just done to preserve that juicy snap.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your Baked Cajun Shrimp come out, toss them with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a whisper of herbaceous freshness. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, and serve immediately—you won’t want to wait!
How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! A sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges make your Baked Cajun Shrimp look restaurant-worthy, add brightness, and balance out the spice. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of extra smoked paprika will make those colors pop.
Side Dishes
Baked Cajun Shrimp are famously versatile partners. Serve them over fluffy white rice or creamy grits to soak up every drop of spiced oil. Roasted or sautéed veggies—think bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus—make a colorful, healthy plate. Pasta with olive oil and garlic is also a fantastic base if you’re craving something heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Cajun Shrimp into the main event! Pile them high over a platter of salad greens for a light meal, fold them into warm tortillas for Cajun street tacos, or skewer them onto toothpicks for a spicy party appetizer. They’re stunning in Buddha bowls or tossed with quinoa for meal prep, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you), place your Baked Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, maintaining their flavor and tenderness for lunch or a quick dinner later on.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab just what you need. Use within one month for best texture and flavor, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes, or sauté briefly in a skillet with a splash of olive oil. The key is not to overcook—just enough heat to bring them back to that perfect juiciness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Cajun Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture, which helps the Cajun seasoning stick and ensures a great roast in the oven.
How spicy is Baked Cajun Shrimp?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most are moderate, but if you’re spice-sensitive, start with a bit less and adjust to taste. You can always sprinkle on extra at the table for those who crave more heat.
What type Main Course
Any store-bought Cajun blend works here, but you can also make your own if you want to control the salt and spice levels. Look for one with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs for robust flavor.
Can I prepare Baked Cajun Shrimp ahead of time?
You can toss the shrimp in the seasoning a few hours ahead and refrigerate—this actually helps the flavors meld. Just bake right before serving for the best texture and juiciness.
Is Baked Cajun Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your Cajun seasoning is free from additives containing gluten, this dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb—perfect for a crowd with different dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try Baked Cajun Shrimp as I am to share it! This dish brings joy to weeknights, wow-factor to gatherings, and a little spark of Cajun sunshine to any table. Fire up your oven and let the flavors whisk you away—one spicy, juicy bite at a time!
Print
Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of the Cajun cuisine with this easy and delicious Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled.
- Finish: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mix for 15–30 minutes before baking.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
