This Cajun Shrimp is a fast, flavorful way to get dinner on the table in the blink of an eye.
Whenever I need a meal that’s easy to make, super flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Cajun shrimp recipe is one of my go-tos. A few months ago, I picked up a bottle of Cajun seasoning from the West Hollywood farmers market. I kept meaning to use it, but I never knew exactly what to make. One evening when I was craving something with bold flavors but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, I grabbed some shrimp from the fridge and decided to finally put that spice blend to good use. The result was so incredibly delicious that this recipe has become one of my weekly dinner rotations.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’re basically recreating the kinds of flavors you’d usually only find in Southern mom-and-pop restaurants—and doing it with hardly any effort. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and cayenne creates this incredible depth that makes every bite exciting. I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my boyfriend during a late-night craving, and we both absolutely loved how quickly it came together and how satisfying it was, even at midnight.
I love serving it over rice for a complete meal, tossing it with cooked pasta, or even adding it to salads for extra protein. The key is getting that perfect balance of spice; it’s enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the sweet, tender shrimp. Whether you’re a Cajun seasoning novice or a spice lover, this recipe is completely customizable to your heat preference, making it perfect for any palate.
What is Cajun seasoning, and where can I buy it?
Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically containing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black and white pepper, originating from Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or buy it online from various retailers. If you can’t find it locally, you can easily make your own by combining the aforementioned spices to taste.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover shrimp, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend placing the shrimp in a pan over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil or butter for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the shrimp in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent overcooking. Be careful not to overheat, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated too long or at too high a temperature. Refresh with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Serving suggestions
I love making these Cajun shrimp for lunch, dinner, or even to pack up for a flavorful office meal. They’re delicious on their own, but they become even more satisfying when you serve them alongside some side dishes. I suggest pairing this dish with this tangy Carolina Coleslaw, Seasoned Rice, and some Sautéed Vegetables. It would also be delicious with a simple tossed salad and a side of these Vegan Red Beans And Rice.
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and butter; cook for 3-5 minutes, adding the garlic during the last minute of cooking.
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Remove from heat when shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
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Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste; add more Cajun seasoning if needed. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
Nutrition
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