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This incredible Cajun Shrimp Recipe features juicy seared shrimp seasoned with homemade Cajun Seasoning. Ready in less than 10 minutes, it’s the perfect dinner or appetizer. Serve it with creamy Remoulade Sauce, or add it to your favorite rice and pasta dishes, like this Cajun Shrimp Pasta.
About This Recipe
Searing a bunch of shrimp in a hot skillet is probably the easiest (and fastest) dinner that you’ll ever make. There are many ways to season shrimp, but Cajun seasoned is my favorite and perhaps one of the best. All you need are some shrimp, Cajun seasoning, cayenne powder (if you want your shrimp to be extra spicy), fresh garlic, and a bit of olive oil for cooking. That’s it! Although, a little butter added to the pan at the end of cooking never hurt anyone (more on that below).
Anyway, this shrimp takes just 5 minutes to cook (prep time not included). You can peel them or leave the tails on. You can even butterfly your shrimp if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Cajun shrimp make a phenomenal main dish or appetizer. Bold and flavorful, they can be served with cheese grits, rice, or pasta.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients in Cajun Shrimp
Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Shrimp: I like to use wild-caught jumbo shrimp, but any shrimp will work. The shrimp should be thawed completely and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning: Feel free to use homemade or store-bought seasoning.
- Cayenne powder (optional): Cayenne is spicy! You may want to leave this ingredient out if you’re sensitive to spicy foods.
- Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has loads of delicious flavor.
- Olive Oil: To cook the shrimp.
- Butter (optional): Sometimes, I’ll add 2-3 tablespoons of salted butter to the pan in the last minute of cooking. It makes a great sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes. It’s pretty spicy. Cajun seasoning is typically mild to moderately spiced. Cayenne, on the other hand, is quite spicy. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, start by omitting or reducing the additional cayenne pepper. I also recommend making your own homemade Cajun seasoning. This allows you the freedom to adjust how much cayenne is added to your Cajun seasoning mixture.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp
1. Prepare the shrimp: If frozen, thaw the shrimp completely, then peel off the shells (the tails may be left on or removed). To devein the shrimp, use a sharp paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse under cold water and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Pat the shrimp dry, then transfer the shrimp to a medium bowl.
2. Season the shrimp: Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl with the shrimp. Mix well to coat the shrimp in the seasonings.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, then toss and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side or until cooked through.
4. Add butter (optional): In the last minute of cooking, add 2-3 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, then stir to combine with the shrimp.
5. Serve: Serve with lemon wedges and minced parsley for garnish if desired.
How do I know when my shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp cooks very quickly. To prevent overcooking, it’s important to recognize when it’s fully cooked. If it sounds complicated, I promise it’s super easy. Here are a few tips to tell if your shrimp is ready to eat.
- Color: Fully cooked shrimp will be light pink in color with bright red tails. The flesh should be white and opaque, without any translucency in the center.
- Cooking Time: Shrimp only need a total of 4-6 minutes to cook in a hot skillet set over medium-high heat. The internal temperature of cooked shrimp should register 120 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a digital meat thermometer.
Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder, optional, omit if you're sensitive to spicy foods
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoon salted butter, optional
Instructions
- If frozen, thaw the shrimp completely, then peel off the shells (the tails may be left on or removed). To devein the shrimp, use a sharp paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse under cold water and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Pat the shrimp dry, then transfer the shrimp to a medium bowl.
- Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl with the shrimp. Mix well to coat the shrimp in the seasonings.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, then toss and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side or until cooked through.
- Optional: In the last minute of cooking, add 2-3 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, then stir to combine with the shrimp.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and minced parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Ideas
For a well-rounded meal, Cajun shrimp pairs beautifully with flavorful sides like cilantro lime rice, mashed potatoes, cheese grits, or simple sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus. You can also toss the shrimp into a fresh salad—try it with a classic Caesar, wedge, or something herby and bright like my green goddess salad. For something richer, serve this spicy shrimp over a bed of pasta tossed with my creamy Alfredo sauce—it’s a spicy, satisfying combination that’s hard to beat.
And for more delicious shrimp recipes, check out these reader favorites: Blackened Shrimp, Chipotle Shrimp, and Honey Sriracha Shrimp for quick and easy weeknight dinners, or this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Shrimp Alfredo when the craving for creamy carb-loaded comfort food hits.
