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cooked Cajun shrimp on a bed of green leaf lettuce
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5 from 2 votes

Cajun Shrimp

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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 112kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

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. 

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g