Name: Baked Cajun Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of ½ lemon; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Baked Cajun Shrimp is the kind of dish that wakes up your senses before the first bite even lands. With plump, juicy shrimp coated in a fiery Cajun seasoning blend and baked until perfectly tender, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The spices form a flavorful crust while the inside stays buttery and succulent—ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a holiday appetizer, or a party platter that disappears fast.

What makes this dish even more irresistible is the contrast of heat, savory herbs, and a kiss of citrus from a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s bold but balanced, spicy but not overpowering. Served straight out of the oven with crusty bread, over rice, or even in tacos, Baked Cajun Shrimp brings Southern flair to your table with hardly any prep.

Ingredients for Baked Cajun Shrimp

1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and prevent excess moisture during baking. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season Generously

Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the shrimp. Then add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re aiming for extra heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. Avoid overcrowding, so the shrimp cook evenly and get that lovely roasted edge. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly browned around the edges.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite dipping sauce or side dish like garlic bread, rice, or salad.

Storage Instructions

Baked Cajun Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can absolutely be saved for later. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in a skillet or microwave, being careful not to overcook.
Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to maintain moisture and flavor.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 220
Protein: 24g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 750mg
Cholesterol: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.

2. Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

It has a kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount or using a mild Cajun blend.

3. What can I serve this with?

Great over rice, pasta, in tacos, or with a side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread.

4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely. Sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.

7. How do I know the shrimp are done?

They’ll turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

8. Can I make it ahead of time?

You can season the shrimp ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours. Bake just before serving for best results.

Baked Cajun Shrimp

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bold, juicy, and bursting with Southern flavor, this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers and weeknight cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, something new for your party spread, or a healthy snack packed with protein, these shrimp check every box. They’re tossed in a zesty Cajun spice blend and baked to perfection in just minutes. The smell alone will make your mouth water. This easy recipe is a delicious addition to your list of dinner ideas, seafood recipes, and spicy food cravings. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s an effortless dish that delivers every time.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.
Add olive oil or melted butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet or dish in a single layer.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and slightly crisped on the edges.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with lemon wedges, over rice, in tacos, or with bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner