Baked Cajun Shrimp

Alright, this baked Cajun shrimp? It’s bold, buttery, and full of smoky, spicy flavor that hits all the right notes. Quick to prep, fast to cook, and perfect for tossing over rice, pasta, or straight into your mouth.

I made it one night when I wanted something big on flavor but low on effort. Tossed the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon, then baked them until juicy and sizzling. The smell was unreal—and the taste? Even better.

It’s a no-fuss, one-pan dinner that feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier. If you’re into bold flavors and quick clean-up, this recipe’s for you. Let’s get it in the oven—you’re gonna be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple but Bold: The Cajun spice mix gives the shrimp a rich flavor—smoky, slightly spicy, and well-seasoned—without being overpowering.
• Quick to Prepare: You’ll need less than 30 minutes from start to finish. No need to marinate or stand over the stove.
• One Pan, One Bowl: Mix the shrimp and seasoning in one bowl, then transfer to a baking sheet. That’s it.
• Flexible Serving Options: Serve these shrimp over grits, rice, pasta, salad, or tuck them into tacos and wraps.
• Nutrient-Rich: Shrimp is a high-protein, low-fat seafood option. This dish is naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in flavor.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Shrimp cook fast. If you bake them too long, they become rubbery. Keep an eye on the oven—they should be pink and slightly curled when done.

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish (about 4 oz cooked shrimp per person), or 6–8 if used in tacos or appetizers. If you’re doubling the batch, use two pans or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Difficulty

This is an easy recipe, perfect for beginners. The most important part is watching the oven so the shrimp don’t overcook. Even experienced cooks appreciate this method when they want fast flavor with little cleanup.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need fancy equipment. These basics will do:

• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Prevents oil or juices from spilling in the oven.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the shrimp with oil and seasoning.
• Paper Towels: Patting the shrimp dry helps the seasoning stick.
• Measuring Spoons: Accuracy matters with spice blends.
• Spatula or Tongs: For spreading and flipping the shrimp.
• Parchment Paper (Optional): Keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Ingredients for Baked Cajun Shrimp

You’ll find everything at a regular grocery store. No hard-to-find items. This spice blend is easy to customize too.

• 1 ½ pounds raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose medium or large size (31–40 count per pound). You can use tail-on or tail-off based on preference.
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the shrimp moist in the oven.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and color. Regular paprika works but lacks the smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers warm, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives heat. Reduce to ¼ tsp for milder shrimp.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy flavor that balances the spice.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal notes common in Cajun seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons the shrimp evenly.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Boosts the overall flavor.
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the whole dish.

Variations for Baked Cajun Shrimp

This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have and how you like your shrimp:

• Adjust the Heat:
  For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Garlic Option:
  Substitute 2 minced garlic cloves for garlic powder if you prefer fresh ingredients. Toss with the shrimp and oil before baking.
• Use Jumbo Shrimp:
  If using jumbo shrimp (16–20 count per pound), add 2–3 more minutes to the bake time. They’re great for serving over grits or as a main entrée.
• Add a Butter Drizzle:
  Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and drizzle over the hot shrimp after baking for extra richness and flavor.
• Cajun-Lemon Butter Sauce:
  Mix 2 tablespoons melted butter with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Pour over the shrimp just before serving.
• Grill Option:
  Toss the shrimp in seasoning and oil, then skewer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Great for BBQ season.

How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Pat Shrimp Dry

Use paper towels to gently pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming in the oven.

3. Toss Shrimp in Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Use a rubber spatula or your hands to toss until every shrimp is well coated. The seasoning should stick evenly and the shrimp should look lightly oiled but not dripping.

4. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping—this ensures even roasting and slight crisping.

If they’re too crowded, use a second sheet or bake in batches.

5. Bake the Shrimp

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on shrimp size. They’re done when they turn opaque and pink, and their edges curl slightly.

Do not overcook. Overbaked shrimp can become rubbery and dry.

6. Optional: Broil for 1 Minute

If you want extra browning, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 additional minute at the end. Keep a close eye—shrimp cook fast under broil.

7. Serve with Lemon

Remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp or serve lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Baked Cajun Shrimp

This dish is flexible and works in many meals. Here are a few serving ideas:

• With Rice: Spoon over steamed white rice, brown rice, or seasoned rice pilaf.
• Shrimp Tacos: Add to warm tortillas with avocado slices, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of crema or chipotle mayo.
• On Salads: Top a fresh green salad or Caesar salad with warm shrimp for protein and spice.
• Pasta Bowl: Toss with cooked linguine or penne and a little olive oil or lemon-garlic butter.
• With Grits: For a Southern-style meal, serve over cheesy grits.
• Appetizer Style: Arrange with toothpicks on a platter for an easy party bite.

Storing Baked Cajun Shrimp

Proper storage helps maintain flavor and texture:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until just heated through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the shrimp tender.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Dry the Shrimp Well: This step is key for getting the seasoning to stick and the shrimp to roast—not steam.
• Don’t Skip the Oil: A little oil helps prevent drying and allows for slight caramelization in the oven.
• Use the Right Size Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp work best for even cooking and easier handling.
• Watch the Clock: Shrimp can overcook fast. Check at the 10-minute mark.
• Taste Before Serving: Cajun seasoning can vary. Taste one shrimp and add a touch more salt, cayenne, or lemon as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	205 kcal
Protein	27 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	1.3 g
Carbohydrates	1.5 g
Fiber	0.7 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	720 mg
Cholesterol	220 mg

Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Baked Cajun Shrimp FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon or omit it entirely.

Can I bake the shrimp ahead of time?
You can, but shrimp is best fresh. If making ahead, reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp may dry out or become rubbery when baked.

Conclusion

Baked Cajun Shrimp is a fast, flavorful seafood dish that comes together with pantry spices and basic prep. It’s an ideal go-to when you need something bold, healthy, and quick—without sacrificing taste. Whether you serve it in tacos, over rice, or straight from the pan, this recipe fits easily into your weekly rotation.