Name: Cajun Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1-2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced (optional)); For Garnish. Fresh chopped parsley (red chili flakes)

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This Cajun shrimp recipe is so quick and easy to make with succulent shrimp spiced with homemade Cajun seasonings then quickly seared, a great dinner or appetizer! Serve with homemade remoulade! Great for adding to pasta dishes, like Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

We're cooking up delicious Cajun Shrimp in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen tonight, my friends. You're going to love this amazing dish.

First, it's insanely quick and easy to make. All you need are some shrimp, Cajun seasonings, and a bit of oil for cooking. You'll have this ready to serve in about 5 minutes of cooking time, not counting prep time. This is great for a slow cook like me.

Also, it's a super versatile dish. You can serve it as an appetizer with a tasty dip or sauce, toss it with pasta, serve them over southern grits, make a sandwich, you name it!

There are so many ways to enjoy your meal. It's quite a bit like making blackened shrimp, but without the butter or extra high heat.

Let's talk about how to make Cajun shrimp, shall we?

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Ingredients

Large Shrimp. Peeled and deveined. This recipe works with any of your favorite shrimp.
Cajun Seasonings.
Vegetable Oil. For cooking. Olive oil is great, or use chili oil for extra spicy.
Fresh Garlic. Optional. I love the addition of lots of garlic. So much flavor.
For Garnish. Fresh chopped parsley red pepper flakes.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp - the Recipe Method

This is such a quick and easy recipe! Pat dry the shrimp, then add the shrimp to a bowl with the spicy Cajun Seasonings. Toss to coat. Make sure you get them nicely rubbed down for bigger flavor.

Seasoning and searing Cajun shrimp in a hot pan

Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium high heat 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and turn pink. I like to get a nice sear on them.

If using garlic, stir in during the last minute of cooking and cook until you can smell the gorgeous garlic bloom.

BOOM! DONE! Your spicy Cajun shrimp is ready to serve! They're so full of flavor! Easy recipe, right? I love easy. And spicy.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Other Seasonings. If you don't have a good Cajun blend on hand, use Creole seasoning, Blackened Seasoning, or use a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
Customize this dish like a stir fry by adding chopped bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables for a simple and healthy dinner.

Ways to Serve Cajun Shrimp

Cajun shrimp is a perfect appetizer that you can serve with a dipping sauce like BBQ Sauce, Remoulade, Cowboy Butter, Tartar Sauce, or Creamy Comeback Sauce.

It can also be the star of your next meal. Serve it on crusty bread with toppings for a Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich, or toss the shrimp with pasta for delicious Cajun Shrimp Pasta for an easy dinner.

Add andouille for this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Smoked Andouille. Or try it with stuffed peppers, like these Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers. I think you'll love them!

You'll also love my Cajun gumbo recipe.

Storage & Leftovers

Storing your Spicy Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge may allow you to store the leftovers for up to 3-4 days. To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate it promptly.

You can freeze Cajun shrimp in freezer containers for up to 3 months. Freezing can affect the texture, but it will still be delicious.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy the Cajun shrimp! Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how you decided to serve yours.

Cookbook Recommendation

If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.

The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)

The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook - Fiery, No-Fuss Meals, by Michael Hultquist

Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Out Some of My Other Popular Cajun and Creole Recipes

Mike serving Fiery Cajun Shrimp from the pan

If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.

Cajun Shrimp

This Cajun shrimp recipe is quick and easy to make with succulent shrimp spiced with piquant Cajun seasonings then quickly seared, a great dinner or appetizer! Great for adding to pasta dishes, like Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cajun, shrimp

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings:

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5 from 9 votes

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Ingredients

1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
1-2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3-4 cloves garlic minced (optional)
For Garnish. Fresh chopped parsley red chili flakes

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the Cajun Seasonings until well coated.
Heat the oil in a large pan to medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
If using garlic, stir in during the last minute of cooking.
Garnish and serve!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 167kcal Carbohydrates: 2g Protein: 23g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 183mg Sodium: 137mg Potassium: 348mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 0.2g Vitamin A: 862IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 81mg Iron: 1mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/30/24 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 2/11/19.