Spicy Southern Cajun Shrimp Recipe: A Tasty Coastal Delight

Spicy, succulent shrimp dance with bold Cajun shrimp recipe flavors that ignite your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana.

Zesty seasonings coat each plump morsel, promising a culinary adventure that’s both exciting and irresistible.

Layers of paprika, cayenne, and garlic create a fiery symphony of taste that will make your mouth water.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dish that’s both quick and spectacular.

The perfect balance of heat and richness makes this recipe a standout in any home cook’s repertoire.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering seafood sensation that’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

What’s So Good About Cajun Shrimp

• Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and vibrant bell peppers, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Serve over rice, pasta, or enjoy as is – this shrimp recipe adapts to any dining style, making it a go-to choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• Master professional-level cooking techniques with easy-to-follow instructions that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal without breaking a sweat.

Cajun Shrimp Ingredient Rundown

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the star of this Cajun-style dish.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable that adds sweetness and crunch to the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb used as a bright, final garnish for the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that gives the signature bold and zesty flavor to the shrimp.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and richness to the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps build the sauce's foundation and adds flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent sauce.
• Cheese: Ingredient that melts into the sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
• Tomato Juice: Secret ingredient that enhances the sauce's depth and complexity.
• Lime Juice: Citrus element that provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Easy Guide to Cooking Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Shrimp

If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them in cold water.

Drain and pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.

• Shrimp
• Paper towels

Step 2: Season and Sizzle Shrimp

Coat the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning.

Heat oil in a skillet until it’s shimmering hot.

Add shrimp and bell peppers, cooking quickly for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Cajun seasoning
• Shrimp
• Bell peppers
• Cooking oil

Step 3: Create Flavorful Base

Remove shrimp from the pan.

Deglaze the skillet with tomato juice, scraping up all the delicious browned bits.

Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour and cook thoroughly to eliminate any raw flour taste.

• Tomato juice
• Butter
• Garlic
• Flour

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Incorporate spice mixture and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Slowly sprinkle and melt cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Spice mixture
• Cheese

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return shrimp and peppers to the sauce.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for a bright flavor.

Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Cajun Shrimp Cooking Tips

• Use cold water to quickly defrost frozen shrimp, ensuring they're completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
• Sauté shrimp for just 1 minute and 20 seconds per side to prevent rubbery texture, remembering they'll continue cooking after leaving the pan.
• Scrape up browned bits from the pan when deglazing with tomato juice to unlock deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Cook flour thoroughly in the sauce to eliminate raw taste, and whisk continuously when adding broth and cream to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Add cheese gradually and slowly, stirring to help it melt evenly and create a creamy, luxurious sauce without clumping.

Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cover the dish completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Carefully pack the Cajun shrimp in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the sauce and shrimp are completely cool before sealing.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the dish reaches 165°F, which ensures food safety and maintains texture.
• Warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce's consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking the shrimp and heat until thoroughly warm, approximately 3-4 minutes.

What Goes with Cajun Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, spicy Cajun flavors with its bright acidity and herbal notes, perfectly complementing the shrimp's delicate texture.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Soak up the creamy, zesty sauce with warm, toasted bread slices that have been rubbed with fresh garlic and butter, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Refreshing Citrus Slaw: Create a light, tangy coleslaw with lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño to balance the dish's richness and provide a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Complement with Dirty Rice: Prepare a traditional Louisiana-style rice dish with chicken livers and spices that mirrors the Cajun seasoning, creating a harmonious and authentic flavor profile.

Cajun Shrimp Flavor Options

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace flour with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of regular cream. Swap bell peppers for low-carb zucchini or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of regular cream. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp with firm tofu or cauliflower chunks. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the same Cajun seasoning and cooking technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure all seasoning blends are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs

• Why use Cajun seasoning for this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp. It’s a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices that creates a signature Louisiana-style flavor profile.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in cold water and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they’ll sear properly and avoid becoming watery or steamed.

• What's the most important tip for cooking shrimp?

Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook extremely quickly – about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. They’ll continue cooking after being removed from the pan, so timing is crucial to prevent rubbery texture.

• How do I prevent a lumpy sauce?

Whisk continuously when adding chicken broth and cream, and take time to cook the flour before adding liquids. This helps create a smooth, silky sauce without any raw flour taste or unwanted clumps.

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp delivers a fiery Louisiana-style seafood experience that dances with bold pepper and herb flavors. Crispy, zesty shrimp will make you crave another bite of this classic Southern culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb uncooked shrimp (453.6 grams)
• 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (283.5 grams)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)

Protein and Dairy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cups heavy cream

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in cold water, ensuring quick and even defrosting. Thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels to prevent steaming and promote proper searing.
2. Coat shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat skillet until oil is hot and shimmering. Add shrimp and bell peppers, cooking rapidly—approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
3. Remove shrimp from pan. Deglaze skillet using reserved tomato juice, scraping accumulated flavor bits from bottom. This technique maximizes sauce complexity.
4. Introduce butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Incorporate flour, stirring continuously to eliminate raw flour taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to develop rich base.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cream, and spice mixture. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, allowing gradual thickening. Consistency should transform from thin to creamy.
6. Slowly sprinkle cheese into sauce, stirring to ensure smooth melting. Reduce heat to prevent separation.
7. Return seared shrimp and peppers to sauce. Squeeze fresh lime juice for vibrant brightness. Gently mix to combine flavors.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and glossy.

Notes

• Thaw shrimp gently in cold water to preserve texture and avoid bacterial growth, ensuring even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect searing and prevent steaming, which can make the seafood tough and less appealing.
• Monitor cooking time meticulously since shrimp cook rapidly and can become rubbery if overdone, aiming for 1-2 minutes per side maximum.
• Deglaze pan with reserved tomato juice to capture deep, concentrated flavors stuck to the cooking surface, enhancing the overall sauce complexity.
• Toast flour briefly in butter to eliminate raw taste and create a rich, nutty base for the sauce, preventing graininess and improving overall texture.
• Whisk cream sauce continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, velvety consistency that coats ingredients perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg