Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off as desired)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below for homemade recipe)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them get a nice crisp.
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture until they are well coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake:
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix:
If you prefer to make your own Cajun seasoning, here’s a simple blend:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use as needed!
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Consider marinating the shrimp in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Side dishes: This baked Cajun shrimp pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious baked Cajun shrimp! Let me know if you have any other questions or need more recipes