Here’s a flavorful recipe for Cajun Shrimp — spicy, smoky, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer.
🍤 Cajun Shrimp
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
2️⃣ Season the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with 1–2 tsp of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Optional: sprinkle a little extra Cajun seasoning while cooking for more kick.
4️⃣ Serve
- Serve immediately with rice, pasta, grits, or a salad.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Spicy level: Increase or decrease cayenne pepper to taste.
- Garlic butter Cajun shrimp: Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the pan with butter for extra richness.
- Skewers: Thread shrimp on skewers for grilling or broiling.
- Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta: Toss cooked shrimp with cream, Parmesan, and cooked pasta for a hearty dish.
- Meal prep: Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated 1–2 days and reheated gently.
If you like, I can provide a restaurant-style Cajun Shrimp recipe with a smoky, perfectly spiced coating and buttery sear that’s bold and indulgent, ideal for serving over rice or creamy grits.
