Tender, tasty shrimp are tossed with zesty Cajun seasoning, making for a fantastic combo. For a taste of the bayou and an impressive yet quick meal, try Cajun Shrimp.
Even if you did not grow up in Louisiana, you can still enjoy the bold and zesty flavors of Cajun cuisine. Especially if you’re not a native, you might conflate “Cajun” and “Creole,” but they are not the same! However, they both reflect a mix of African, French, and American Gulf Coast traditions. Cajun tends to be spicier and makes use of pork, crawfish, and the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Creole tends to be a bit less spicy and often utilizes oysters, crab, and tomatoes. They each have their unique seasoning blends, and both cuisines feature shrimp dishes.
Cajun shrimp is a well-seasoned, zesty dish that is simple to make. Like a lot of shrimp dishes, less is more, and Cajun shrimp can be a quick weeknight meal or served as a meal for guests. With his signature “Bam!” catchphrase, Chef Emeril Lagasse has popularized zesty dishes like Cajun shrimp and helped spread their popularity beyond the Southeast. Obviously, the “Bam!” is optional, but it is fun to say when making a dish like this!
You will love Cajun shrimp because it is a versatile dish, full of flavor, and easy to make. It tastes great served over rice, with buttered linguini, or with cheese grits. Even if you don’t like spicy food, you can control the spice level and still enjoy the warm, bold flavors of the seasoning matched with the mild shrimp. And even if you’re not an experienced chef, Cajun shrimp is an easy dish to make, with its short ingredient list and quick cook time.
DIY Cajun seasoning
If you don’t have a container of pre-made Cajun seasoning handy or can’t find it in your grocery store, no worries. You can easily make your own and keep it on hand. Simply mix two tablespoons of salt with one tablespoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add cayenne pepper to taste. Store the mix in an airtight container for up to a year.
How do I store leftovers?
This dish tastes best freshly made. Leftovers, however, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Gently reheat the dish over a low heat in a skillet coated with a little olive oil.
Serving suggestions
Cajun shrimp can be the centerpiece of a meal with any number of sides. Try it atop boiled rice, buttered pasta, or cheese grits. You can also dress things up a bit and serve it with Creamy Lemon Pasta. Either way, homemade Artisan Bread is delicious with it. For veggies, if it’s a weeknight, easy Microwave Corn On The Cob or Air-Fryer Green Beans work well. For a dining room affair, consider serving a creamy, cool Caesar Salad with Cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Red chili flakes optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque.
- Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds to avoid burning. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately.
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