Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1–2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3–4 cloves garlic (minced (optional))
Fresh chopped parsley
Freshly squeezed lemon

Instructions

Step: Pat 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for a good sear.
Step: Toss the shrimp in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Step: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet (cast iron or stainless works great) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step: Add the shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes on the second side, until pink and just curled.
Step: Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves in the last 30 seconds and stir until fragrant.
Step: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, red chili flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve.

Notes

Marinade version: Mix shrimp with seasoning, 1 tablespoon oil, and lemon; rest 15-30 minutes in fridge. Butter swap: Use butter instead of oil for richer flavor. Extra heat: Use chili oil or finish with hot sauce. Alternative methods: Oven (400°F, 6-8 min), Air fryer (400°F, 5-6 min), or Grill (2 min per side).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 167 kcal
Sugar: 0.2 g
Sodium: 137 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.01 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 183 mg

Keywords: cajun, Cajun shrimp recipe, shrimp