This Cajun shrimp recipe is so darn good you’ll be tempted to lick your plate clean! I keep it in my back pocket for busy nights when time is tight – but it’s also fancy enough to wow guests while entertaining. I’ll show you how to whip up this bold, delicious dinner in just 15 minutes.
Shrimp has always been a big part of my life, thanks to summers spent with a little fishing boat and prawn traps. Because of that, I have a soft spot for really good shrimp recipes , and this Cajun shrimp is easily one of my all-time favorites. It’s bold, smoky, and unbelievably flavorful — and somehow ready in just 15 minutes.
This is the kind of dinner that proves fast food can still be exciting. The Cajun seasoning delivers big flavor, making it feel special enough for guests while still being easy enough for a busy weeknight. I love how flexible it is, too — I’ll serve it over rice, toss it with pasta, or pair it with corn or whatever else I have on hand. Fair warning: seconds are almost guaranteed.
Another Cajun-influenced recipe I think you might enjoy is my blackened salmon in creamy Cajun sauce .
Key Ingredients for Cajun shrimp
Cajun shrimp sounds a wee bit fancy – so you might think it has a complicated ingredients list. It’s actually made with all familiar ingredients. Gather these items:
- Shrimp : The star of the show! You want your shrimp to be peeled and deveined .
- Cajun seasoning: Grab a pre-made mix, or make your own . It’s really easy and uses spice rack staples.
- Veggies: Green bell peppers and shallots add some texture and taste.
- Other staples: Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, chili flakes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable stock.
Make your own Cajun seasoning
You can use a store-bought Cajun spice blend if you have one on hand – otherwise, making your own is super simple, and you likely already have the spices you need. This is what you need:
- 3 tablespoons of paprika.
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder and garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon of thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- And if you like it spicy, you can add cayenne pepper to taste.
Check out my post on making your own Cajun seasoning for more info!
What to serve with Cajun shrimp
My favorite way to enjoy this is dish with some rice and veggies – it’s delicious! I usually make some cauliflower rice . Regular basmati rice works, too. Roasted broccoli or sauteed green beans are nice vegetable pairings.
Or make it a Cajun shrimp pasta by serving over pasta.
Can I store cooked shrimp?
You can—storage is easy! Once your Cajun shrimp recipe cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. If you’ve frozen the shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator the day before you want to eat them.
How to reheat shrimp?
I reheat my Cajun shrimp in the skillet. I drizzle olive oil or butter into the skillet, then toss in the shrimp, reheating gently until they’re hot to the touch. Enjoy!
Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 ½ lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ▢ A pinch of chili flakes
- ▢ 2 medium green bell peppers (diced small)
- ▢ 2 small shallots (minced)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ▢ ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- ▢ Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and chili flakes. Set aside to marinate while you prep the veggies. 1 ½ lb shrimp, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, A pinch of chili flakes
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 2 minutes. Add the peppers and shallots to the pan then cook for 2 more minutes. 2 medium green bell peppers, 2 small shallots
- Lower the heat to medium and push the shrimp and veggies to the side of the pan. Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes, or until it darkens and smells sweet. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Add the stock to the pan and stir everything together, scraping the bottom to remove any stuck-on flavorful bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper. ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock, Sea salt and pepper
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Four more shrimp recipes I like
Shrimp Fajitas with Onions, Peppers, and Cilantro Lime Ranch
Bang Bang Shrimp (lightened-up recipe with all the flavor!)
Chili Lime Shrimp
Best Shrimp Tacos with Pickled Jalapeño Slaw
Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- A pinch of chili flakes
- 2 medium green bell peppers , diced small
- 2 small shallots , minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Sea salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and chili flakes. Set aside to marinate while you prep the veggies. 1 ½ lb shrimp, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, A pinch of chili flakes
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 2 minutes. Add the peppers and shallots to the pan then cook for 2 more minutes. 2 medium green bell peppers, 2 small shallots
- Lower the heat to medium and push the shrimp and veggies to the side of the pan. Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes, or until it darkens and smells sweet. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Add the stock to the pan and stir everything together, scraping the bottom to remove any stuck-on flavorful bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper. ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock, Sea salt and pepper
