Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe – Flavorful, Spicy & Easy
If you are looking for a dish that is bold, spicy, and full of flavor yet simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, Baked Cajun Shrimp is exactly what you need. This dish takes the natural sweetness of shrimp, pairs it with smoky and fiery Cajun spices, and bakes it to perfection in the oven. The result? Juicy, tender shrimp with a lightly crisp edge that can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a topping for salads and pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this Cajun shrimp recipe will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into all the details you need to make it perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails left on (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (you can also use melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the spices stick better and gives the shrimp a nice baked texture.
2. Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, salt, and thyme. The marinade should have a bold, reddish color with a slightly spicy aroma.
3. Marinate the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak into the shrimp.
4. Bake the Shrimp
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly golden around the edges.
Be careful not to overbake the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in many different ways:
- With rice: A simple bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice makes the perfect companion.
- Over pasta: Toss some fettuccine or linguine with olive oil and garlic, then top with Cajun shrimp.
- As an appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.
- In tacos: Add shrimp to warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and lime crema.
- With salad: Make a Cajun shrimp salad with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook very fast. As soon as they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink, they’re ready.
- Homemade Cajun spice: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and oregano.
- Butter lovers: Replace olive oil with melted butter for a richer, restaurant-style flavor.
- Meal prep: You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and bake them right before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving – 4 shrimp)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
This makes it a low-carb, high-protein recipe that fits perfectly into keto, paleo, or clean-eating diets.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cajun Shrimp is the kind of recipe that looks fancy but is actually very easy to prepare. With only a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a dish that’s flavorful, spicy, and versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep.
If you love shrimp and bold spices, this recipe will become a regular on your menu. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!