Baked Cajun Shrimp
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.
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.