Here’s a quick and flavorful Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe—spicy, garlicky, and perfectly cooked in the oven. It’s great as an appetizer, main dish, or tossed with pasta or rice.
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet
- Spread shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they bake evenly.
- Bake
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on shrimp size, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Finish and serve
- Drizzle lemon juice over baked shrimp and toss gently.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Spice level: Add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Garlic butter version: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, then toss shrimp in it before baking.
- Serve with: Rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Meal prep: Baked Cajun shrimp can be refrigerated for 1–2 days and reheated gently.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan baked Cajun shrimp with vegetables version that makes a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
Do you want me to share that version?
