The Zesty Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe Everyone Loves

Salty ocean breezes and cajun shrimp dance together in a recipe that brings Louisiana’s vibrant coastal spirit right to your kitchen.

Spices shimmer with intense warmth across plump, succulent shellfish.

Peppers and herbs create a bold symphony of flavors that wake up every taste bud.

Coastal traditions infuse each bite with authentic southern charm.

Bright red seasonings coat each shrimp, promising a culinary adventure that tingles with excitement.

Crisp textures and zesty notes guarantee a meal that sparks conversation and delights everyone around the table.

You’ll want to dive into this irresistible dish that captures the heart of cajun cooking.

Cooking Baked Cajun Shrimp At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Oil the Seafood

Toss raw shrimp into a mixing bowl and drizzle with canola oil. Gently swirl the bowl to ensure every shrimp gets a smooth, even coating.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

Mix the spices thoroughly to create a zesty Cajun seasoning blend.

Step 4: Coat Shrimp with Spice Magic

Pour the spice mixture over the oiled shrimp. Cover the bowl and shake gently, ensuring each shrimp is completely covered in the fiery seasoning.

Step 5: Arrange for Perfect Roasting

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes. The shrimp are done when they’re heated through and have slightly crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve with a Citrus Kick

Transfer the hot, spicy shrimp to a serving plate and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Helpful Notes For Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Prevent Overcooking: Check shrimp at 8 minutes to ensure they remain tender and juicy, avoiding rubbery texture.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let shrimp sit with spices for 15-20 minutes before baking to enhance seasoning penetration.
• Boost Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on personal heat tolerance, adding more for extra kick or reducing for milder taste.
• Create Crispy Edges: Pat shrimp dry before oiling to help achieve crispier, more caramelized exterior during baking.
• Serve Smart: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp just before serving to brighten flavors and add zesty freshness.

How To Add Variety To Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Replace shrimp with cauliflower florets, using same Cajun spice blend and baking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sodium Spice Blend: Reduce salt content by substituting with herbs like rosemary and parsley, using minimal salt or salt-free seasoning mix.
• Gluten-Free Protein Option: Swap shrimp for large scallops or chicken breast pieces, maintaining identical Cajun seasoning and cooking temperature.
• Air Fryer Quick Version: Cook seasoned protein in air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes instead of oven, achieving similar crispy exterior with faster preparation time.

Tasty Sides For Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly balance the spicy Cajun flavors, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty profiles.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm French baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious spice-infused oils and juices from the shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with parsley, cilantro, and a citrus vinaigrette to cool down the spicy Cajun heat and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Creamy Side Pairing: Prepare a quick garlic aioli or remoulade sauce for dipping, which will enhance the shrimp's bold Cajun seasoning and provide a smooth, tangy counterpoint.

How To Store Baked Cajun Shrimp Easily

• Store leftover Cajun shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap cooled shrimp tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

All Questions About Baked Cajun Shrimp

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano that creates a spicy, bold flavor profile originating from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding oil and seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

• How spicy will these Cajun shrimp be?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used. You can adjust the cayenne to make the dish mild, medium, or extra hot according to your heat tolerance.

• Is this recipe healthy?

Shrimp is a lean protein low in calories and high in nutrients. Baking instead of frying makes this dish a healthier seafood option with minimal added oil.

Top Reasons To Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Spice Up Your Meal: Discover a bold Cajun-style dish that transforms ordinary shrimp into a flavor-packed sensation with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Mix, coat, and bake – this recipe requires just a few simple steps and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impress friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish that's incredibly easy to make and delivers serious wow factor.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control spice levels, making this recipe adaptable for everyone from mild-loving to heat-seeking taste buds.

What You Need For Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that absorbs the spicy Cajun flavors beautifully and serves as the star of this dish.

• Canola Oil: A neutral cooking oil that helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and promotes even coating.

• Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Thyme, Oregano: A complex and zesty spice mix that creates the signature Cajun flavor profile with a perfect balance of heat and herbaceous notes.

• Lemon Wedges: A fresh citrus element that adds brightness and helps cut through the rich, spicy seasoning of the shrimp.

• Foil, Cooking Spray: Essential for preparing the baking sheet and ensuring easy cleanup and preventing the shrimp from sticking.

Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp brings Louisiana’s bold flavors straight to your dinner table with zesty seasonings and succulent seafood. Juicy shrimp coated in rich, aromatic spices promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon ground oregano

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with light cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transfer shrimp into a mixing bowl and lightly coat with canola oil, ensuring each piece gets a thin, even layer of oil.
3. Create a robust spice blend by combining smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano in a separate container.
4. Sprinkle the entire spice mixture over the oiled shrimp, gently tossing to distribute seasonings uniformly across each piece.
5. Arrange seasoned shrimp in a precise single layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing adequate space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, monitoring until shrimp turn opaque and develop slightly crisp edges.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh lemon wedges, serving immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and juiciness when baking.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy edges and better spice adhesion.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, reducing for mild preference or increasing for extra spicy kick.
• For gluten-free version, verify all spice powders are certified gluten-free before preparing the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 144 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1033 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 166 mg