Bold, spicy, and absolutely irresistible-this Cajun Shrimp is the weeknight dinner upgrade you didn't know you needed! Juicy shrimp are tossed in a zesty homemade Cajun seasoning, then quickly seared to perfection for a flavor explosion in every bite.
This recipe is all about bringing Southern comfort into your kitchen without any fuss. In under 20 minutes, you'll have a show-stopping dish full of smoky heat, garlic, and punchy herbs.
It's perfect for busy weeknights, impressing surprise guests, or whenever you're craving something with a little kick. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of New Orleans, this Cajun Shrimp is guaranteed to spice up your dinnertime routine.
You'll turn to this recipe again and again-promise!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Just 20 Minutes: Perfect for getting a flavorful, homemade meal on the table, even on your busiest days.
- Bold, Authentic Cajun Flavor: The homemade blend of spices gives the shrimp irresistible depth and vibrant taste.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, in tacos, or atop a crisp salad-Cajun Shrimp works with so many favorites!
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Packed with protein, naturally gluten free, and great for lighter meal plans.
Key Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Shrimp
Shrimp are the star of this dish, offering a sweet, tender bite that soaks up all those Cajun spices. Opt for large raw shrimp (16/20 count) that are peeled and deveined for the best texture. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well-just make sure to pat them dry for the best sear!
Cajun Seasoning
The soul of this recipe! A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs creates that signature Southern heat and complexity. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, but making your own lets you control the spice, salt, and freshness.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is essential for coating the shrimp and ensuring even browning in the skillet. If you prefer, avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil works just as well.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic amps up the flavor and infuses the oil as the shrimp cooks. You can swap in a half teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch, but freshly minced gives unbeatable flavor.
Lemon Juice
A burst of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the spice. Always use fresh lemon for the best results. Lime juice is a fine substitute if you want a different citrus note!
Instructions for Cajun Shrimp
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Pat Dry and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels-this is key for a good sear. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss again.
Heat the Skillet
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let the oil get nice and hot until shimmering-this helps the shrimp cook quickly and develop delicious caramelization.
Sear the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side, until pink and slightly browned underneath. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until opaque and cooked through. Don't overcook-the shrimp should be juicy, not rubbery!
Add Garlic and Lemon
Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp to deglaze the pan and add zest.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy Cajun Shrimp hot, straight from the skillet!
Recipe Variations
Swap the Protein
Try this Cajun seasoning on chicken, scallops, or even firm tofu for a delicious twist! Adjust cook times as needed and enjoy the same bold flavors.
Make It Creamy
Turn it into Creamy Cajun Shrimp by adding a splash of heavy cream and a handful of grated Parmesan after searing. Simmer just until thickened, then serve over pasta for a Southern-inspired delight.
Kick Up the Heat
If you love spice, add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes to your Cajun blend. Feel free to top with hot sauce for maximum kick!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free! Just double-check your Cajun seasoning to ensure it doesn't contain additives with gluten or dairy.
Bulk Up With Veggies
Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the skillet before the shrimp for a colorful, fiber-filled meal. Sauté until just tender, then cook shrimp as directed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cajun Shrimp over a fluffy bed of steamed white rice, buttery grits, or al dente pasta for a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, pile it onto a crisp green salad or fold into warm corn tortillas for quick tacos. Don't forget an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh finish!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice, just until warmed through-this keeps the shrimp juicy. Freezing is possible but may slightly affect texture; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Shrimp (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Absolutely! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best sear.
Q: Is Cajun Shrimp very spicy?A: Cajun seasoning does have a bit of heat, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the cayenne or using a mild Cajun blend.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?A: Cajun Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the seasoning and even marinate the shrimp for up to 8 hours in advance-just cook right before serving for the juiciest results.
Craving bold, Southern-inspired flavor that's ready in a flash? This Cajun Shrimp delivers every time. I hope it becomes a new go-to in your kitchen! If you try it, let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment or rating below-I love hearing from you!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using a salty Cajun blend)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.
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2Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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3Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
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4Push shrimp to one side of the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir shrimp with garlic.
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5Drizzle lemon juice into the skillet, toss to coat, then remove from heat.
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6Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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