Baked Cajun Shrimp

This Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is a delightful blend of spices and fresh shrimp, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick dinner, or looking to add some flavor to your salads, this dish delivers. With its smoky and spicy profile, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a plate of these tasty shrimp.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Spice Mix
• For Garnish
• How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Coat the Shrimp with Oil
• Step 3: Mix the Seasonings
• Step 4: Season the Shrimp
• Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp
• As an Appetizer
• In Tacos
• On a Salad
• With Rice or Quinoa
• How to Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Baked Cajun Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Baked Cajun Shrimp
• Reheating Baked Cajun Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Baked Cajun Shrimp?
• How do I make Baked Cajun Shrimp crispy?
• Can I customize the spice level in Baked Cajun Shrimp?
• What should I serve with Baked Cajun Shrimp?
• How long does it take to prepare Baked Cajun Shrimp?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Kick: The Cajun seasoning brings a bold flavor that elevates the shrimp without overwhelming them.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a salad or rice bowl.
• Health-Conscious: Low in calories but high in taste, it’s a great addition to any healthy eating plan.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand already, making it convenient to prepare.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Baked Cajun Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools for preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Foil
• Cooking spray
• Small bowl with lid

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the shrimp evenly with oil and spices.
• Cookie sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking of the shrimp.
• Foil: Helps with easy cleanup while preventing the shrimp from sticking.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 12 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

For the Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon ground oregano

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie sheet by lining it with foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp with Oil

Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Add the canola oil. Cover the bowl and gently shake to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated with oil.

Step 3: Mix the Seasonings

In a separate small bowl with a lid, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and oregano. Shake or stir well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Season the Shrimp

Add the seasoning mixture into the mixing bowl with the shrimp. Cover again and gently shake to coat all shrimp evenly with spices.

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through and lightly crisped on the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an added zest. Enjoy your Baked Cajun Shrimp!

How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these shrimp can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

As an Appetizer

• Cocktail Sauce: Serve the shrimp with a tangy cocktail sauce for a classic appetizer experience.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices.

In Tacos

• Soft Corn Tortillas: Fill soft tortillas with baked Cajun shrimp, topped with fresh cabbage and avocado for a tasty taco night.
• Spicy Slaw: Add a crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots mixed with lime juice for extra zest.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light meal.
• Cajun Caesar Salad: Elevate your Caesar salad by adding baked Cajun shrimp instead of grilled chicken.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Spicy Rice Bowl: Serve the shrimp over seasoned rice or quinoa, topped with fresh herbs for added flavor.
• Cajun Jambalaya: Mix the shrimp into jambalaya for an authentic Cajun touch.

How to Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Baked Cajun Shrimp, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your shrimp turn out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices; they bring out the best flavors in the shrimp.
• Even coating: Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated in oil and seasoning for consistent flavor.
• High heat: Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures perfect cooking without drying out the shrimp.
• Single layer placement: Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even cooking.
• Freshness matters: Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for optimal taste and texture.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, enjoy the shrimp right after baking while they’re hot and crispy.

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Best Side Dishes for Baked Cajun Shrimp

When serving Baked Cajun Shrimp, it’s essential to complement it with delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that pair well with this flavorful seafood dish.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds coolness and balances out the spice of the shrimp.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob makes for a delightful summer side that complements spicy flavors well.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside spicy shrimp.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while keeping the meal light.
5. Cajun Rice Pilaf: A flavored rice pilaf brings in more Cajun spices and ties into the overall theme of your meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and variety to your plate while enhancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Cajun Shrimp, avoiding common pitfalls can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the oil: Not using oil can cause the spices to clump and not coat the shrimp evenly. Always coat your shrimp with oil before adding spices.
• Overbaking the shrimp: Baking shrimp for too long can turn them rubbery. Keep an eye on them and aim for about 10 minutes of baking.
• Ignoring size uniformity: Using shrimp of different sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Try to use shrimp that are similar in size for consistent results.
• Using old spices: Old or stale spices can dull the flavor of your Baked Cajun Shrimp. Ensure your seasonings are fresh for the best taste.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Baked Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Place cooled Baked Cajun Shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Use within 1-2 months for best quality.

Reheating Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake shrimp for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baked Cajun Shrimp?

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a flavorful dish featuring shrimp coated in spicy Cajun seasonings and baked until tender and slightly crispy.

How do I make Baked Cajun Shrimp crispy?

To achieve a crispier texture, ensure you bake the shrimp at the right temperature and do not overcrowd the baking sheet.

Can I customize the spice level in Baked Cajun Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like chili powder for extra heat according to your preference.

What should I serve with Baked Cajun Shrimp?

Baked Cajun Shrimp pairs well with rice, salads, or as a topping on pasta. You can also enjoy it as an appetizer with dipping sauces.

How long does it take to prepare Baked Cajun Shrimp?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes total—5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cajun Shrimp offers a bold flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or main dish. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy its deliciousness paired with your favorite sides!

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