This Cajun Shrimp is made using a homemade spice blend with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and other flavorful spices. The dish is ready in 15 minutes and can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish, and it is often accompanied by rice or crusty bread.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that is commonly used in Louisiana-style cuisine, particularly in Cajun and Creole cooking. The spice blend is known for its bold, spicy flavor, and it can be used to season a variety of dishes, including seafood, meats, vegetables, and soups. It’s often used in dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, blackened fish or chicken, and shrimp.
What Type of Spices to Use
I like to use Homemade Cajun Seasoning, but you can use store-bought if you prefer. The homemade rub is a blend of the following:
- Ground white pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Ground black pepper
- Mustard powder
How to Make Cajun Shrimp
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Combine the Cajun spices in a bowl and sprinkle the spices over the shrimp and rub them in.
- Heat a cast iron or stainless-steel skillet on medium-high heat. Add butter.
- When the butter has melted, add the shrimp to the pan.
- Cook, flipping to cook each side.
- Remove the shrimp and set aside to cool.
Is it Spicy?
Cajun shrimp can be spicy, but the spiciness can be controlled by the amount of cayenne pepper that is used in the Cajun seasoning. If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and add more to taste.
What Type of Pan to Use
For seared shrimp, It is best to use a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet or a stainless steel skillet. These types of pans can withstand high heat without warping and can create a nice crust on the shrimp. Cast iron skillets are heavy and evenly distribute heat, which is important for getting a good sear on the shrimp. They also retain heat well.
For baked shrimp, a sheet pan will work.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
You can reheat the shrimp on the stove for a couple of minutes until warm. You can also use the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warm. I avoid the microwave to avoid overcooked and rubbery shrimp.
Pair With These Recipes
Cajun Coleslaw
Cajun Dirty Rice
Cornbread Casserole
Bacon Corn Maque Choux
More Cajun Recipes
Slow Cooker Gumbo
Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Fish and Grits
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp Peeled and deveined.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil Melted and measured solid.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Feel free to use store-bought if preferred)
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper See notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder
Instructions
- Combine the spices in a bowl and sprinkle the spices over the shrimp and rub them in. Ensure the shrimp is fully coated, but don’t over-season it. The amount of spices you use will vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using.
Pan Seared Shrimp Instructions
- Heat a cast iron or stainless-steel skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- When the butter has melted, add the shrimp to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook, flipping to cook each side, for 3-5 minutes or until it is pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.
- Remove the shrimp and set aside to cool.
Baked Shrimp Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to a sheet pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.
Notes
- If you aren’t into spicy food, omit the cayenne pepper. If you prefer something with less spice, only add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon.