If you’re looking for a quick seafood dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Juicy shrimp are coated in a bold blend of Cajun spices, garlic, butter, and lemon before being baked until perfectly tender.
The best part? This dish takes only a few minutes to prepare and can be on the table in about 20 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread for an easy dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant.
🦐 Ingredients
500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
2. Make the Cajun mixture
Add the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, salt, and lemon juice.
Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the shrimp
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet or baking dish. Avoid overcrowding them so they cook evenly.
4. Bake
Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.
The shrimp are ready when they turn pink, become opaque, and curl slightly.
For extra color, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
5. Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.
🍋 What to Serve With Cajun Shrimp
These spicy baked shrimp pair especially well with:
Steamed white or jasmine rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic butter pasta
Roasted vegetables
Corn on the cob
Fresh green salad
Crusty garlic bread
🔥 Easy Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery.
Adjust the spice level. Use a mild Cajun seasoning for less heat, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your shrimp extra spicy.
Use large shrimp. Larger shrimp are easier to bake without drying out and make the dish more satisfying.
Finish with lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving balances the buttery, spicy Cajun seasoning perfectly.
❤️ A Quick Dinner Everyone Will Love
With juicy shrimp, buttery garlic, smoky Cajun spices, and a fresh burst of lemon, this baked seafood dish delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve when guests come over.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Servings: 4
