Baked Cajun Shrimp

Introduction

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
With smoky Cajun spices, garlic, butter, and lemon, this shrimp bakes in minutes and delivers restaurant-quality
flavor with almost no effort. Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, tossed into pasta, or as a protein-packed topping for salads.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure even baking.
3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder,
   salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add shrimp and toss to coat.
4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or casserole dish.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Description

These Baked Cajun Shrimp are juicy, buttery, and bursting with Cajun heat. The garlic butter enhances the natural
sweetness of the shrimp, while the spices add warmth and depth. This quick and easy recipe pairs beautifully with
rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.

Tips

• Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture.
• Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook very quickly.
• Marinate for 10–20 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Add cayenne pepper for extra spiciness.
• Toss with heavy cream or extra butter for a creamy version.
• Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.

Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

• Be careful with salt — Cajun seasoning may already be salty.
• Always pat shrimp dry to avoid watery results.
• Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming.
• Don’t skip the lemon — it brightens the flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Cajun Shrimp!