Baked Cajun Shrimp

Name: Baked Cajun Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 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; Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: May 4, 2025

by Nora

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This Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is bold, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning blend and baked to perfection, these shrimp are perfect for a quick appetizer, light dinner, or protein-packed addition to salads and rice bowls. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal in just 15 minutes.
Flavor Explosion: The smoky and spicy seasoning creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave you wanting more.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed into salads and rice bowls for extra protein.
Healthier Choice: Low in calories yet packed with flavor, this dish fits perfectly into any healthy eating plan.
Easy Cleanup: Using foil on the baking sheet means fewer dishes to wash after your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your essential tools. Having everything at hand will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Foil
Cooking spray
Small bowl with lid

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the shrimp evenly with oil and spices.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even cooking and crisping of the shrimp.
Foil: Makes cleanup easy by preventing sticking and spills on the pan.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

12 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
1 tablespoon canola oil
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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Add the canola oil. Cover the bowl and gently shake it to coat all the shrimp evenly with oil.

Step 3: Mix Seasonings

In a separate small bowl with a lid, combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and oregano. Shake or stir to mix well.

Step 4: Coat Shrimp with Spices

Add the seasoning mixture to the shrimp. Cover the bowl again and gently shake it to evenly coat the shrimp with spices.

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until they are heated through and lightly crisped on the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing! Enjoy your delicious Baked Cajun Shrimp!

How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp

Baked Cajun Shrimp is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a starter or part of a main meal, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy remoulade for added flavor.
Pair with toasted baguette slices to soak up the delicious juices.

In a Salad

Toss over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and zesty salad.
Add to a Caesar salad for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.

With Rice or Quinoa

Serve atop fluffy white rice or quinoa to absorb the flavors.
Mix into a Cajun rice bowl with vegetables for a hearty meal.

In Tacos

Fill warm corn tortillas with Baked Cajun Shrimp and top with cabbage slaw.
Drizzle with lime crema for an extra zing.

How to Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp

To achieve the best Baked Cajun Shrimp, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper amount based on your heat preference.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking.
Preheat properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for consistent results.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cajun Shrimp

Baked Cajun Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some great suggestions:

Garlic Bread – A crunchy, buttery delight perfect for scooping up shrimp juices.
Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a delightful contrast and is easy to prepare.
Roasted Vegetables – Colorful veggies roasted with olive oil make for a healthy accompaniment.
Jasmine Rice – Fragrant rice that complements the spices without overpowering them.
Potato Wedges – Crispy and satisfying, these wedges make for a filling side choice.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing, this salad helps cool down any heat from the dish.
Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy cheese pasta offers comfort and richness alongside spicy shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Cajun Shrimp, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning mix: Always combine your spices before adding them to the shrimp. This ensures an even coating and better flavor.
Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Baking for too long will make them rubbery. Stick to the recommended 10 minutes.
Not preheating the oven: Preheating is crucial for even cooking. Make sure your oven is at 350°F before placing the shrimp inside.
Using unpeeled shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, always use peeled and deveined shrimp. This makes for easier eating and better seasoning absorption.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Baked Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container.
They can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Baked Cajun Shrimp

Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Cajun Shrimp

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat the shrimp for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot, but be cautious not to overcook.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Baked Cajun Shrimp?

Baked Cajun Shrimp pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer with dipping sauces.

Can I customize the spice level of Baked Cajun Shrimp?

Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. For more spice, feel free to add extra cayenne or hot sauce.

How do I know when my shrimp are cooked?

Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should be firm but not rubbery. Keep an eye on them while baking!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before using them in this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cajun Shrimp is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with bold flavors that everyone will love. This dish offers versatility; you can enjoy it as an appetizer or add it to your favorite salads or rice bowls. Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste preferences!

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