If you love bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is a total game-changer. Juicy shrimp are coated in zesty Cajun seasoning and roasted in the oven until perfectly tender — no skillet or stovetop needed. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, salad, or tuck it into tacos, this recipe delivers smoky heat and juicy seafood goodness with minimal effort.
???? Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Tip: If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat dry before seasoning for the best texture.
???????? Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and lemon juice until well coated.
3. Bake the Shrimp
Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
4. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately with rice, salad, or a warm crusty baguette to soak up the juices.
???? Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Nutrition may vary based on the Cajun seasoning blend used.
???? Tips & Tricks
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Mild or Spicy? Adjust cayenne or use less seasoning if you’re heat-sensitive.
- Crispier texture? Broil the shrimp for the last 2 minutes.
- Meal ideas: Serve in shrimp tacos, over Cajun rice, or on a big green salad with avocado and corn.
- Double the batch: This recipe scales easily for meal prep or a crowd.
✨ From My Kitchen
Baked Cajun Shrimp is one of those magical recipes that looks and tastes impressive but is ridiculously simple. I often throw this together when I need a fast, flavorful dinner and don’t feel like doing dishes. The spice blend is smoky, garlicky, and just a bit spicy — everything you want in a Southern-style shrimp dish.
It’s also super versatile. One night I’ll serve it over grits with scallions, and the next I’ll toss the leftovers into a wrap or taco with slaw. It never gets old!
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