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Baked Cajun Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that’s perfect for dinner or a party appetizer. The shrimp are seasoned with a bold Cajun spice mix and baked until juicy and tender. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 16-20) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them bake better and prevent steaming.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange the shrimp on the baking sheet:
- Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the shrimp:
- Place the shrimp in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and pink, and cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp.
- Finish and serve:
- Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Tips:
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: If you’d like to make your own Cajun seasoning, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp oregano, and salt to taste.
- Serving Suggestions: These baked Cajun shrimp are perfect on their own, served with rice, or tossed in pasta. They also make a great topping for salads or tacos!
Enjoy!
This baked Cajun shrimp recipe is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful and spicy seafood dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or special occasions!