Baked Cajun Shrimp (Recipe)

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served as an appetizer for any occasion. This easy Cajun shrimp recipe is packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With a homemade Cajun seasoning mix, you can create a healthy and mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends.

Our Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe features tender, cooked shrimp coated in a delectable blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano. This Cajun shrimp seasoning brings together a perfect balance of heat and flavor, resulting in a truly addictive dish.

Key Takeaways:

• Baked Cajun Shrimp is an easy and quick recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or appetizer.
• The homemade Cajun seasoning mix adds a delicious blend of flavors and spices to the shrimp.
• This dish can be customized to suit different taste preferences, from mild to extra spicy.
• The Cajun seasoning mix can also be used in other dishes like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
• Try our alternative variations, such as using uncooked shrimp for a healthier version or adding more cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Ingredients for Baked Cajun Shrimp

To make Baked Cajun Shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:

These ingredients can easily be found in most grocery stores and are essential for creating the flavorful Cajun seasoning mix.

The perfect combination of spices and shrimp creates a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests. With these simple ingredients, you can easily prepare Baked Cajun Shrimp in no time!

Instructions for Baked Cajun Shrimp

Follow these simple instructions to make a flavorful and quick Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place foil onto a cookie sheet and lightly oil it with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, add the peeled, deveined, and cooked shrimp and drizzle it with canola oil.
4. In another small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano to create the Cajun seasoning mix.
5. Add the seasoning mix to the shrimp bowl and gently shake it until all the shrimp is coated.
6. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 10 minutes.

Serve the Baked Cajun Shrimp warm with a slice of lemon wedge for added freshness.

Customize Your Cajun Seasoning Mix

The Cajun seasoning mix used in this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and herbs based on how spicy or flavorful you want your shrimp to be. You can also add additional ingredients like black pepper, paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Cajun seasoning mix.

Customization Ideas:

• Increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Add more paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Include black pepper for an added layer of heat.
• Try a pinch of thyme or rosemary for a herbal twist.

By customizing your Cajun seasoning mix, you can create a unique blend that suits your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. It’s all about finding the right balance of flavors to enhance your Baked Cajun Shrimp.

Other Uses for Cajun Seasoning Mix

The homemade Cajun seasoning mix used in this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile and can elevate the flavor of various dishes. Here are some other creative ways to incorporate Cajun Shrimp Seasoning into your culinary repertoire:

1. Dry Rub for Grilled Chicken: Sprinkle Cajun Shrimp Seasoning generously over chicken breasts or thighs before grilling for a spicy and flavorful twist. The seasoning will form a delicious crust on the chicken, adding depth and complexity to every bite.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of Cajun Shrimp Seasoning. Roast them in the oven until tender and slightly charred for a delightful side dish bursting with Cajun flavors.
3. Seafood Bisque: Enhance the rich and creamy flavors of a seafood bisque by adding a tablespoon or two of Cajun Shrimp Seasoning to the broth. The aromatic spices will infuse the bisque with a delightful kick, complementing the sweetness of the seafood.

Get creative and experiment with other dishes as well. Cajun Shrimp Seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used to add a touch of spice and excitement to your favorite recipes. With its bold flavors and aromatic blend of herbs and spices, Cajun Shrimp Seasoning is sure to delight your taste buds in a variety of culinary creations.

Alternative Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Looking to enjoy a healthier version of Baked Cajun Shrimp? This alternative recipe allows you to use uncooked shrimp instead of pre-cooked shrimp, offering a fresh and flavorful twist. Simply adjust the cooking time in the oven based on the size of the shrimp, ensuring they are cooked through and tender.

To serve as a delectable appetizer, try skewering the shrimp and serving them on toothpicks. This not only makes them convenient to eat, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.

Alternative Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place a layer of foil on a baking sheet and lightly oil it with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the uncooked shrimp with canola oil.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and ground oregano to create the Cajun seasoning mix.
5. Add the seasoning mix to the bowl of shrimp and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
6. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for the appropriate cooking time based on the size of the shrimp, ensuring they are cooked through and pink.
8. Remove from the oven and serve the shrimp warm on toothpicks for an appetizer or as a main dish.

This alternative Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe offers a healthier option without compromising on taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer to cook their shrimp from scratch or want to serve a delicious appetizer at their next gathering.

Spicy Baked Cajun Shrimp Variation

If you like your shrimp extra spicy, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning mix. Add an additional ¼ or ½ tsp of cayenne pepper to give your Baked Cajun Shrimp a fiery kick. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and heat, this spicy variation of Baked Cajun Shrimp is perfect for you. By adding more cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix, you can turn up the heat and bring a fiery kick to your shrimp dish.

The cayenne pepper is the key ingredient that adds the heat to this recipe. It’s a spicy chili pepper that packs a punch. If you’re unsure about how much heat you can handle, start with a ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper and gradually increase it to your desired level of spiciness.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cajun seasoning mix as per the main recipe.
2. Increase the amount of cayenne pepper by adding an additional ¼ or ½ tsp to the seasoning mix.
3. Coat the peeled, deveined, and cooked shrimp with the spicy Cajun seasoning mix.
4. Continue with the remaining steps of the main recipe, including baking the shrimp in the oven for 10 minutes.
5. Enjoy your Spicy Baked Cajun Shrimp with a side of spicy mayo or a cooling dip to balance out the heat!

With this spicy variation, you can take your Baked Cajun Shrimp to the next level and satisfy your craving for a spicy, flavorful dish. Just remember to adjust the spiciness according to your personal preference, so you can enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering and zesty seafood delight.

Conclusion

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a delicious and easy recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an appetizer. The homemade Cajun seasoning mix adds a burst of flavor and spice to the shrimp, creating a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. The best part is, this recipe is quick and simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal in a hurry.

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can easily customize the Cajun seasoning mix to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or leave it out completely. On the other hand, if you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.

Not only is Baked Cajun Shrimp delicious and easy to make, but it is also incredibly versatile. The Cajun seasoning mix used in this recipe can be used to spice up other dishes as well. Try using it as a dry rub for grilled chicken, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for a flavorful twist. With endless possibilities, this homemade Cajun seasoning mix is a must-have in your pantry.

So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea or a flavorful appetizer, give this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!