Cajun Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana cooking right to your kitchen. This recipe combines juicy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s perfect over noodles. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty weeknight meal, Cajun Shrimp is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cajun Shrimp is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the dish is packed with bold, zesty flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Finally, it’s a versatile recipe—you can serve it over noodles, rice, or even enjoy it on its own. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just eager to try something new, this dish won’t disappoint!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds large fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 1 large red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- Cooked noodles
- Lime wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley (finely chopped)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Make sure all the shrimp is coated in the seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and put them on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken a little.
- Sprinkle the flour over the tomato paste and garlic mix. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the heavy cream and sriracha sauce, simmering for another 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar jack cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve the Cajun shrimp over cooked noodles. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and lime wedges on the side.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp
Cajun Shrimp is best served over a bed of cooked noodles, which soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to help scoop up any remaining sauce. Adding lime wedges on the side enhances the dish with a bright pop of flavor.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp
To store Cajun Shrimp, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to freshen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp
- Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce to suit your preference.
- For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp with steamed vegetables or a salad on the side.
Variation
For a twist, you can add some cooked sausage or chicken to the dish for added protein. You could also substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cajun Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time but it’s best to cook them fresh for the best taste and texture.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp before seasoning and cooking.
3. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1½ pounds large fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on) Use fresh shrimp for best taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with coconut milk for lighter version
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce Adjust for spice preference
- 1 large red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
To serve
- as needed cooked noodles Noodles soak up the creamy sauce
- as needed lime wedges Enhances the dish’s flavors
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley (finely chopped) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Make sure all the shrimp is coated in the seasoning. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and put them on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken a little.
- Sprinkle the flour over the tomato paste and garlic mix. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the heavy cream and sriracha sauce, simmering for another 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar jack cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve the Cajun shrimp over cooked noodles. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and lime wedges on the side.
