Description
Cajun Shrimp sizzles with Southern charm, bringing zesty New Orleans flavor right to your dinner table. Grab some plump shrimp, sprinkle those bold Cajun spices, and watch your meal come alive with bold, mouthwatering goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds raw peeled shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until your spice blend is thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle the entire spice mixture over raw shrimp, gently tossing to ensure every single piece gets a complete coating.
- Allow the seasoned shrimp to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, letting the spices deeply penetrate the meat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers and looks slightly rippled.
- Carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the hot pan, spreading them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the shrimp for exactly 2 minutes on the first side, watching for a golden-brown color developing around the edges.
- Flip each shrimp and cook an additional 2 minutes on the opposite side until they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Sprinkle finely chopped garlic across the shrimp and stir quickly for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Let the shrimp marinate in the spice blend for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Use high heat when cooking to get a nice sear and caramelization on the shrimp without overcooking.
- Fresh shrimp makes a huge difference in taste and texture, so select the best quality available.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg