Juicy shrimp coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning and baked with garlic, lemon, and butter until perfectly tender. This quick recipe is excellent for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1½ lb (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges for serving
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lightly grease a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely.
Drain and pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning.
Place the shrimp in a large bowl.
3. Make the Cajun Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
Melted butter
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Cajun seasoning
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Onion powder
Oregano
Thyme
Salt
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Whisk until well combined.
4. Season the Shrimp
Pour the Cajun butter mixture over the shrimp.
Toss gently until every shrimp is evenly coated.
If using cayenne pepper, add it now.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Try not to overlap the shrimp. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast.
6. Bake
Place the shrimp in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.
The shrimp are done when they are opaque, pink, curled into a loose C shape, and cooked through.
Avoid overcooking because shrimp can quickly become rubbery.
7. Optional Broiling
For lightly caramelized edges, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes.
Watch closely because the garlic and butter can brown quickly.
8. Garnish
Remove the shrimp from the oven.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and green onions if desired.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving — 4 servings:
Calories: 290
Protein: 37 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Net Carbs: 4 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 285 mg
Sodium: 900 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition is approximate and depends on the shrimp size, Cajun seasoning, butter, and amount of salt used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Shellfish: Yes — shrimp.
Tree nuts: None in the standard recipe.
Peanuts: None.
Almonds: None.
Walnuts: None.
Pecans: None.
Cashews: None.
Pistachios: None.
Coconut: None.
Dairy: Yes — butter. Parmesan is optional.
Eggs: None.
Gluten: The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the Cajun seasoning label.
Soy: None intentionally included, but packaged seasoning may vary.
Mustard: Check the Cajun seasoning label if you have a mustard allergy.
Fish: No fish ingredient, but cross-contact may occur in some seafood products.
Nut-Free Version
The recipe is naturally nut-free. For anyone with a severe allergy, check the labels of Cajun seasoning, butter, and other packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings.
Dairy-Free Version
Replace butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
How to Choose Shrimp
For this recipe, large or jumbo shrimp work best.
Look for shrimp labeled approximately:
16–20 per pound for large
11–15 per pound for jumbo
If using smaller shrimp, reduce the baking time.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning.
Use shrimp that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Don’t marinate shrimp in lemon juice for a long time because the acid can alter the texture.
Keep the shrimp in a single layer.
Watch closely during the final few minutes.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to how spicy your particular blend is.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp with:
Steamed broccoli
Roasted asparagus
Cauliflower rice
Brown rice
Quinoa
Corn on the cob
Fresh garden salad
Garlic green beans
Roasted zucchini
Creamy coleslaw
For a low-carb meal, serve with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
For a more filling meal, serve over rice or quinoa with extra lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Air fry for approximately 6–8 minutes, depending on size.
Shake or turn halfway through cooking.
Remove as soon as the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Meal Prep
You can season the shrimp several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
For best quality, cooked shrimp should be cooled promptly and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Use within 3–4 days.
Reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat them very dry before seasoning.
Q: Do I need to remove the tails?
No. Tails can be left on for presentation or removed for easier eating.
Q: How do I know when shrimp are done?
They should become opaque and pink, feel firm, and curl into a loose C shape. An instant-read thermometer can also be used; shrimp are generally considered safely cooked at 145°F (63°C).
Q: Why did my shrimp become rubbery?
They were most likely overcooked. Shrimp cook very quickly, so begin checking them early.
Q: Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil or another suitable cooking oil.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the cayenne pepper.
Q: How can I make it extra spicy?
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a little hot sauce.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?
Yes. Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are excellent choices. Dense vegetables may need to roast before adding the shrimp.
Q: Can I add Parmesan?
Yes. Sprinkle a small amount over the shrimp during the final few minutes of baking.
Q: Is baked Cajun shrimp keto-friendly?
Yes. The shrimp and seasoning mixture are very low in carbohydrates. Choose keto-friendly side dishes and check your Cajun seasoning for added sugar.
Q: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
Shrimp is naturally very low in carbohydrates, so this recipe can fit into a diabetes-conscious meal. Pay attention to the Cajun seasoning and choose low-carbohydrate side dishes such as non-starchy vegetables.
Q: Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, bake them close to serving time. Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
Q: Can I freeze cooked Cajun shrimp?
Yes, although the texture may be slightly different after thawing. Cool completely, store airtight, and use within approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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