Indulge in a delightful and zesty Baked Cajun Shrimp dinner, featuring succulent shrimp marinated in olive oil and a vibrant blend of Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic and onion powders, with hints of thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes, all baked to perfection in a foil packet.

Growing up in a bustling household, where every evening was a new culinary adventure spearheaded by my mom, the kitchen became a sanctuary of flavors and laughter. My mom, a wizard with spices, often told tales of her travels through Louisiana, her stories as colorful as the dishes she prepared. On one such evening, she introduced us to Baked Cajun Shrimp, a recipe she learned from a charismatic chef in New Orleans. Each bite was a burst of warmth and joy, reminding us of the power of good food shared with loved ones. Now, whenever I need a quick, comforting meal to lift my spirits, I turn to this recipe, each time adding a little twist of my own, while the essence—my mom’s love and the lively Cajun spirit—remains the same.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cajun Shrimp ?

Discover the charm of easy gourmet cooking with our Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish doesn’t just promise a flavorful escape but delivers a convenient, quick, and utterly delicious dinner experience.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 23 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a last-minute meal.
Flavor Packed: A robust blend of Cajun spices ensures each shrimp is a tender morsel of delight.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooked in a single foil packet, it simplifies cooking and cleanup.
Versatility: Easily customizable, this dish can be toned down or spiced up to suit any palate.
Nutritious and Delicious: Shrimp are a great source of protein and when paired with these spices, create a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients Notes

Baked Cajun Shrimp blends simple ingredients for an explosion of flavor. Here’s a rundown on what each component brings to your table:

Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: It’s not just for cooking; it helps to distribute the spices evenly.
Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the dish, Cajun seasoning brings the heat and soul to your shrimp.
Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the other spices.
Garlic and Onion Powders: These aromatics lend depth and a hint of sharpness.
Thyme & Oregano: Herbs that add earthy notes to complement the main flavors.
Cayenne & Red Pepper Flakes: Adjustable to taste, they add a fiery kick.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish, adding a fresh zing that cuts through the richness.
Parsley and Lemon Wedges: Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice add color and enhance flavor just before serving.

How To Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

Baking Cajun Shrimp is a journey of simple steps leading to a magnificent meal. Here’s how to achieve the perfect bake:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s hot and ready for your shrimp. Peel and devein your shrimp, then toss them with olive oil and a hearty mix of spices, including Cajun seasoning, paprika, and herbs. This not only coats the shrimp evenly but starts the marination process.
Assemble the Foil Packet: Lay out a large piece of tin foil and place your marinated shrimp in the center. Drizzle them with lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. The lemon juice will help tenderize the shrimp and add a zesty flavor.
Seal and Bake: Fold the foil over the shrimp, sealing the edges to create a packet that traps the steam and spices, cooking your shrimp evenly and infusing them with flavors. Place this packet on a baking tray and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Serve with Care: Remove the packet from the oven and let it sit briefly. Be cautious as you open the packet—steam can escape quickly and is very hot. Garnish your delicious Cajun shrimp with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added splash of citrus.

Pro Tip: Baked Cajun Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For reheating, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to preserve their tenderness. Avoid using a microwave as it can toughen the shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

Our Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is delightful as is, but it’s also a canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some variations to spice up your meal:

Vegetable Additions: Throw in some bell peppers or chunks of zucchini during the last few minutes of baking for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Spice Adjustments: For less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or for an extra kick, add a bit more.
Herb Variations: Try swapping thyme and oregano with basil or marjoram for a different herbal note.
Citrus Swap: Instead of lemon, try lime for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices.
Hearty Add-ons: Include slices of sausage or chunks of potato for a heartier dish, perfect for those cooler evenings.

Print Recipe

Baked Cajun Shrimp

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Total Time23

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keyword: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 pounds of large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adjusted to taste
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Juice of one lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley finely chopped for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for cooking.
Prepare the Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Prepare the Foil Packet: Tear a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned shrimp in the center. Evenly drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Seal the Packet: bring the edges of the foil together and fold to seal, creating a packet that will contain the shrimp and allow them to steam in their own juices and the added seasonings.
Bake: Place the sealed foil packet on a baking tray and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink.
Remove the baking tray from the oven, and allow the packet to rest briefly. Carefully open the packet, being cautious of the hot steam, and transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges for additional flavor. Serve immediately.