Name: Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

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If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together in a flash, Baked Cajun Shrimp is about to become your new go-to recipe. This meal is all about juicy, tender shrimp coated in a zesty blend of Cajun spices, roasted to perfection in the oven for maximum flavor and minimal effort. With its mix of heat, fresh lemon, and garlicky goodness, every bite is a reminder that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. Whether you’re serving it up for family, friends, or a solo treat, Baked Cajun Shrimp always brings a spark to the table and satisfies any seafood craving.

Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is there for a reason—bringing just the right amount of spice, freshness, and richness to the party. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fridge favorites, you’ll create an unforgettable meal in minutes!

Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for juicy bites that cook evenly and soak up all the Cajun flavors.
Olive oil: Acts as the foundation for your marinade, ensuring the shrimp stays glossy and tender while baking.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show—a robust blend that packs a spicy, herby punch in every mouthful; adjust to taste for more or less heat.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with bold aroma and savory depth; don’t skip it for extra flavor!
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that cuts through the spice for perfect balance and a pop of freshness.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color, elevating the Cajun vibes; totally worth including if you have it.
Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle heat—freshly ground makes a world of difference here.
Chopped parsley and lemon wedges (for garnish): These simple finishing touches add a fresh, colorful flair and extra zing to each plate.

How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your shrimp go in. While it preheats, quickly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Prepping your cooking vessel first means less time spent fussing and more time savoring the results.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cajun Marinade

Grab a large bowl and toss in the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and black pepper. With clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until every shrimp is glistening with spice and ready to soak up all those flavors. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, let the shrimp marinate for 15–30 minutes to really amp up the intensity—your patience will pay off.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Pour the marinated shrimp into your prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer. This ensures they roast and caramelize beautifully without overcrowding. Slide the dish onto the middle rack and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep a watchful eye: you want the shrimp plump, pink, and just opaque for maximum juiciness.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

The moment that delicious scent fills your kitchen, pull the baking dish from the oven. Scatter chopped fresh parsley across the top and nestle a few lemon wedges alongside the shrimp. The herbs and citrus aren’t just pretty—they bring each bite to life and make the whole experience feel extra special. Serve your Baked Cajun Shrimp immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle on a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley for color and a burst of herbal freshness, and don’t forget to add some lemon wedges. Guests can squeeze a little extra juice if they like more brightness, making the spicy shrimp even more addictive. For a playful touch, consider a light dusting of smoked paprika right before serving.

Side Dishes

Baked Cajun Shrimp pairs deliciously with all sorts of sides. Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up those flavorful juices, toss with al dente pasta for a Cajun-inspired twist on shrimp scampi, or plate alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter option. Crusty bread is a must for mopping up every last bit of sauce—no shame in carb-loading when it tastes this good!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Baked Cajun Shrimp into a show-stopping appetizer by sliding them onto skewers with vegetable chunks, or serve in lettuce cups for a light, handheld treat. For a more laid-back meal, make shrimp tacos with crunchy slaw and drizzle everything with extra lemon. However you present them, these shrimp are always the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Baked Cajun Shrimp (lucky you!), store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

While freshly baked shrimp are best, you can freeze any leftovers for up to a month. Lay the cooled shrimp out on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. This method keeps them from clumping and makes it easy to grab what you need.

Reheating

To reheat Baked Cajun Shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for a few minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long as shrimp can become rubbery; a splash of lemon juice brightens them back up before serving.

FAQs

What type Main Course

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for Baked Cajun Shrimp because they bake up perfectly tender and pack plenty of flavor with every bite. Frozen shrimp work too—just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.

How can I make Baked Cajun Shrimp less spicy?

Simply use a milder Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount called for in the recipe. You can also skip the smoked paprika for less heat, or balance things out with extra lemon juice.

Can I prepare the shrimp in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp in the Cajun mixture up to 12 hours ahead; just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but also deepens the flavors.

Is it possible to grill instead of bake?

Definitely! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’ll get a wonderful smoky char that works beautifully with the Cajun spices.

What other proteins can I use with this recipe?

This method is fantastic with scallops, chunks of firm white fish, or even chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust the baking time based on your protein’s size and doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a meal that’s both simple and dazzling, it’s time to bring Baked Cajun Shrimp to your kitchen. Each bite is brimming with bold flavors, yet the recipe couldn’t be easier—perfect for hectic evenings or deliciously laid-back weekends. Give it a try and watch this dish become a beloved staple on your table!

Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend and baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and healthy seafood meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, paprika (if using), and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Bake the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.