Baked Cajun Shrimp is a fun and flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s bursting with spice and taste. It’s perfect for busy days or a quick dinner when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
You should definitely make Baked Cajun Shrimp because it’s not only delicious but also super simple! It’s great for gatherings or even a cozy family dinner. The smoky flavors and spices bring a kick to your meal, and the shrimp cooks quickly, making it a perfect choice when time is tight. Plus, everyone loves shrimp!
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
Making Baked Cajun Shrimp is a breeze. Follow these steps for a tasty meal in no time!
Ingredients:
- 12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground oregano
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly oil the foil with cooking spray.
- Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Add canola oil and cover the bowl. Gently shake until all shrimp are coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano.
- Add spice mixture to the shrimp bowl, cover, and shake gently until all shrimp are coated evenly.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Serve warm with a slice of lemon wedge. Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp
Baked Cajun Shrimp is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread. A squeeze of lemon over the top adds a bright touch!
How to Store Baked Cajun Shrimp
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Make sure to reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.
Tips to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the oil; it helps the spices stick to the shrimp.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance level—more for heat, less for milder flavor.
Variation
You can add other seafood like scallops or fish to the mix if you’d like to change things up a bit. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you add.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
A: You can use regular paprika, but the smoky flavor will be different.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It has a kick from the cayenne pepper. You can reduce the amount if you prefer less spice.
