Unbelievably easy and delicious, Cajun Shrimp will be a hit with the whole family!
Don’t you just love recipes that take only 10 minutes to prepare? Those types of meals are great for busy moms who want to get nutritious foods on the table in little to no time. With such quick preparation, Cajun shrimp is a recipe you’ll likely make time and again. Of course, if you buy shrimp with the peels still on, this recipe will take a few more minutes to make, as you have to peel and devein the shrimp. Also, if your shrimp are frozen, make sure to defrost them before starting this recipe.
Cajun seasoning makes this dish what it is, providing bold, spicy flavor. The more seasoning you use, the more flavor and heat the dish will have. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own with herbs and spices from your pantry. Combine one teaspoon each of oregano, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper with two teaspoons each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. If you want even more heat, add one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Store any leftover seasoning in a glass jar or spice bottle.
Don’t confuse Cajun shrimp with Creole shrimp, as they are two entirely different dishes. If you checked out the Creole shrimp recipe on our site, you would easily see the difference, as it features a fresh tomato-based sauce. For this dish, you simply toss the shrimp with the seasonings, sauté some chopped garlic in butter for 30 seconds, and then add the shrimp and cook them for two to five minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp. You can serve them with lime or lemon wedges and garnish with cilantro or parsley, if desired.
How to tell when shrimp are cooked
I’ve always found shrimp to be one of the easiest proteins to prepare because they tell you when they are cooked without a thermometer. There are two clear ways to know that your shrimp are ready. First, they undergo a color change. Most raw shrimp are a translucent shade of gray. Once cooked, they turn opaque. Their color will likely be white with red or pink highlights.
The next thing to look at is their shape. Undercooked shrimp will have a “U” shape, cooked shrimp will form a “C,” and overcooked shrimp will form an “O.” While these shapes are approximations, they provide enough of a visual aid to help you determine when they are done. I find that to be one of the easiest ways to remember. Performing a touch test will yield firm shrimp with a slight spring. If they are mushy, it means they’re undercooked. Overcooked shrimp turn hard. When cooking shrimp in liquid, such as boiling or poaching, they will float to the top when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftover Cajun shrimp to cool to room temperature, but don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours for food safety. Refrigerate them as soon as possible once at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Once chilled, you can also freeze the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or zippered bag for up to 1 month. Defrost them overnight in the fridge. Enjoy leftovers cold, especially over a salad of crisp greens, or reheat them gently on the stovetop. Do not microwave leftover shrimp, as they could become rubbery.
Serving suggestions
It’s easy to grab a bowl of Cajun shrimp and sit down in front of the television for a high-protein treat. However, making these savory shrimp part of a meal can be even more satisfying. You might be tempted to serve them over grits, but consider topping a bowl of Corn Rice with these tasty crustaceans. Spicy Jalapeño Mac And Cheese makes another delicious side dish. Cool things down with this crispy Apple Slaw Recipe. Now, if you’re still looking for other snack foods to pair with the shrimp rather than enjoying them with a meal, I recommend trying The Best Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe, with its crunchy, golden coating, and some Spicy Deviled Eggs.
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish, optional
- Lime wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook 2-5 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Leave a Comment