Indulge in the bold and spicy flavors of the Louisiana bayou with this mouthwatering Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe. Perfect for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike, this dish features succulent shrimp seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend and baked to perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or alongside your favorite sides, these flavorful shrimp are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the Cajun spice mixture.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until pink and opaque, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish the Baked Cajun Shrimp with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
Tips:
- For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mixture.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amounts of individual spices.
- Serve the Baked Cajun Shrimp as an appetizer with cocktail sauce for dipping, or as a main course with rice, pasta, or a side salad.
Conclusion:
Baked Cajun Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for adding a taste of the bayou to your dinner table. With its bold Cajun spices and succulent shrimp, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether served as a starter or main course, these delicious shrimp are bound to impress even the most discerning palates.
