This baked Cajun shrimp recipe seals seasoned shrimp and lemon juice in a foil packet to hold in the cooking juices. Serve with bread, salad or another side, and open the packet carefully to release the hot steam.
Recipe Details
- Oven: 375°F (190°C)
- Bake: about 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
Season the shrimp
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne and red pepper flakes.
Seal the foil packet
Place the shrimp on a large sheet of foil set on a baking tray. Drizzle with lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Fold and seal the edges firmly to hold in the juices, keeping the shrimp spread rather than in a deep pile.
Bake until cooked through
Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until the shrimp are firm and opaque through the centers. Timing depends on size and packet thickness; avoid cooking beyond doneness.
Open carefully and serve
Rest briefly, then open the foil away from your face and hands so the steam escapes safely. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges and the cooking juices.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw and drain them before seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning may already contain salt, so check before adding more.
- Reduce cayenne or pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.
- Use the tray beneath the packet to catch any leaks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly in a covered container. Reheat gently until hot throughout, avoiding prolonged cooking that can toughen shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I bake the shrimp frozen?
This method uses prepared shrimp. Thaw frozen shrimp and drain them before coating with seasoning.
Why did the shrimp become rubbery?
Shrimp toughen when cooked too long. Check for firm, opaque centers and stop once they are cooked.