Cajun Shrimp (Easy 5-Minute Recipe)

It’s time to add a little bit of Southern charm to your dinner table with some mouthwatering Cajun shrimp!

This tasty dish is full of bold and spicy flavors that will transport you straight to Louisiana.

And all you need are some basic spices that you probably already have in your pantry.

It really is that easy to make your own homemade Cajun seasoning!

The South sure knows how to cook up a storm when it comes to seafood, and Cajun shrimp is no exception.

Give this recipe a try and see for yourself!

Cajun Shrimp

Are you ready to spice up your seafood game? Look no further than Cajun shrimp! 

If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then this dish is calling your name.

The secret to its addictive taste lies in a simple yet magical Cajun seasoning.

Made with a blend of paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, this seasoning is loaded with flavor.

It pairs perfectly with plump and juicy shrimp.

But don’t let the heat scare you away. The spiciness of Cajun shrimp can easily be tweaked to your liking. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add a little extra cayenne pepper.

But if you prefer a milder taste, simply use less Cajun seasoning.

Not only is Cajun shrimp delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

You can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even on top of a salad. 

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

In just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

So next time you’re in the mood for some seafood, skip the boring old shrimp cocktail and try something new.

Whip up a batch of Cajun shrimp and let the good times roll!

Ingredients

• Seasonings: This is where the magic happens! You need a mix of paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. 
• Salt and pepper: A touch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. And black pepper adds a little kick of heat to the dish.
• Large shrimp: The star of the show! The plump and juicy shrimp soak up all the delicious flavors of the seasoning. Be sure they’re peeled and deveined:
• Vegetable oil: To cook the shrimp to perfection. Be sure to heat it up nice and hot before adding the shrimp.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp

To make cajun shrimp, just follow these simple steps:

1. Make the seasoning. Get ready to add some serious flavor to your shrimp! Grab a sealable plastic bag and add all the seasonings: paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give the bag a good shake to mix everything up.
2. Season the shrimp. Now, add your large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the bag with the seasoning mix. Shake it again until the shrimp is well-coated.
3. Heat up the pan. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and then add your seasoned shrimp to the skillet.
4. Sautee the shrimp. Cook and stir the shrimp in the hot oil for about 4 minutes. Keep an eye out for the color. When they turn bright pink on the outside and are no longer transparent in the center, they’re ready to go!
5. Serve and enjoy! Remove the skillet from the heat and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and tricks to make the best Cajun shrimp possible:

• Use fresh shrimp: Be sure the shrimp you use is fresh and properly peeled and deveined. The better the quality, the better the taste. 
• Get your seasoning right: The seasoning is what makes Cajun shrimp so flavorful. so make sure you use the right balance of spices to create that perfect blend of heat and flavor for you. 
• Use a non-stick skillet: Using a non-stick skillet will prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan.
• Cook on medium-high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat will help the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooking the shrimp can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on the shrimp and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Serve hot: Cajun shrimp is best served hot, straight out of the skillet. 
• Pair with the right side dishes: Cajun shrimp pairs well with rice, vegetables, or even cheddar biscuits. 
• Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less cayenne pepper. If you like it hot, add more. 
• Marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mix for up to 30 minutes for even more flavor.
• For a twist, try grilling the shrimp instead of cooking them on the stove for a smoky flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftover shrimp? Don’t toss it just yet! Shrimp always seems to go farther than we expect, and that means leftovers for days! 

But don’t worry, storing your cooked shrimp is a breeze and a great way to have an easy meal the next day.

To store it in the fridge, just pop your shrimp in an air-tight container and keep it chilled for 3-4 days. 

Want to keep it longer? Freeze it!

Just wait for your shrimp to cool to room temperature, put it in an air-tight container, and freeze for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to chow down, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight before reheating it. 

To reheat it, add a little oil or butter to a skillet, toss in your shrimp, and warm them up until they’re hot to the touch. Easy and delicious!