Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on or off)
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly grease or line a baking dish or sheet pan.
Season the shrimp:
In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil (or butter), garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Arrange:
Spread shrimp in a single layer on the baking dish.
Bake:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
(Don’t overcook—they get rubbery fast!)
Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.
Serving Ideas
Over rice or buttered noodles
With crusty bread to soak up juices
Tossed into pasta or salad
In tacos with slaw and sauce
Tips
Use raw shrimp for best flavor (not pre-cooked)
Add sliced bell peppers or onions to bake alongside
For a saucier version, add 2–3 tbsp chicken broth or cream before baking