Zippy Cajun Shrimp Recipe: Southern Spice Magic at Home

Sizzling seafood takes center stage with this incredible cajun shrimp recipe that brings Louisiana’s bold flavors directly to your kitchen.

Spicy, succulent, and packed with zesty seasonings, these shrimp will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Every single bite delivers a powerful punch of authentic southern heat and depth.

The carefully balanced blend of spices creates an irresistible coating that seals in maximum flavor and juiciness.

Fresh shrimp become the perfect canvas for this fiery culinary adventure that promises restaurant-quality results at home.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

One forkful and you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where culinary magic happens in every skillet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Spicy Cajun Shrimp

• Shrimp: Wild-caught or fresh shrimp deliver richer flavor and better texture, with medium-sized shrimp ideal for even cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
• Cajun Seasoning: Provides bold, zesty kick and authentic Louisiana-style heat to enhance shrimp's natural sweetness.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color, sweet crunch, and nutritional boost to complement the spicy shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing surface for shrimp, helping develop golden-brown caramelization.
• Garlic: Brings deep, aromatic intensity that pairs brilliantly with seafood's delicate profile.
• Butter: Delivers rich, silky foundation for creating luxurious sauce with incredible depth.
• Honey: Balances spiciness with subtle sweetness, rounding out complex flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces additional layer of tangy heat and traditional Cajun character.
• Lime Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, citrusy tang that cuts through richness.

• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid base with nuanced underlying flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into luxuriously creamy, indulgent experience.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces zesty, slightly spicy element with vibrant tomato character.
• Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy, sharp notes to sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers signature Louisiana-style spice blend.

Tools That Make Cajun Shrimp Simple to Prepare

• Large skillet: essential for sautéing shrimp and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: perfect for prepping ingredients like red peppers and garlic.
• Chef's knife: sharp tool for precise dicing and chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: helps accurately measure broth, cream, honey, and spices.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: ideal for stirring and scraping the skillet while cooking.
• Colander: useful for draining diced tomatoes and reserving juice.

How to Cook Cajun Shrimp with Bold Flavor

• Prep Work

Gather fresh shrimp and vibrant ingredients for a zesty Cajun adventure. Ensure all components are ready and waiting to dance together in the skillet.

• Flavor Boost

Season shrimp with a bold Cajun spice blend that will make taste buds tingle with excitement. Chop red peppers for a colorful companion to the seafood.

• Cooking Magic

Sear shrimp and peppers quickly in a hot skillet, creating a golden exterior that locks in juicy tenderness. Remove and set aside while preparing a creamy, spicy sauce.

• Sauce Symphony

Create a rich sauce by deglazing the pan with reserved tomato juice, whisking in butter, garlic, and a hint of cream. Let the flavors meld and develop depth.

• Final Flourish

Return shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the luscious sauce. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish that elevates the entire dish.

Tips to Adjust the Spice in Cajun Shrimp

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance. Start with a light sprinkle for mild flavor, or go bold with extra spice for heat lovers.
• Prep the sauce and chop vegetables in advance to cut down cooking time. Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or white fish for a different twist. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Use frozen shrimp instead of fresh to save money. Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly if fresh aren't available, maintaining the recipe's rich flavor.
• This recipe minimizes cleanup by using a single skillet. Clean-up becomes a breeze, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or quick meal preparations.

Serving Cajun Shrimp for Any Occasion

• Coastal Comfort Plating: Serve this spicy Cajun shrimp over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and balance the bold flavors.
• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair with crisp garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to mop up every delicious drop of the tangy tomato-cream sauce.
• Fresh Veggie Crunch: Complement the dish with a light side salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the shrimp.
• Southern Style Presentation: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and fresh herb brightness that enhances the Cajun profile.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Cajun Shrimp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Cajun shrimp in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Freezing Magic: Seal cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 weeks without compromising flavor and texture.
• Reheating Hack: Gently warm refrigerated shrimp in a skillet with a splash of broth over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare Cajun seasoning and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately to streamline cooking and reduce weeknight dinner stress.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp recipe delivers bold Louisiana flavors with succulent prawns seasoned in zesty spice blends. Crispy pan-seared seafood promises quick comfort for spice enthusiasts seeking authentic Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (453.6 g) uncooked shrimp
• 10 oz (283.5 g) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• ¾ cup (170.1 g) cheddar jack cheese, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 tbsps (44.4 ml) butter
• 1 ½ cups (355.4 ml) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (177.4 ml) heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps (45 g) flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 2 tsps (10 ml) hot sauce
• 2 tsps (10 ml) lime juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsps Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• lime wedges
• fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Completely thaw and meticulously dry shrimp using paper towels. Coat generously with Cajun spice blend, ensuring uniform seasoning coverage across each morsel.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, and hot sauce in a separate bowl. Drain canned tomatoes, reserving liquid for enhancing sauce depth and complexity.
3. Protein and Vegetable Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Rapidly sauté red bell peppers, then introduce seasoned shrimp, cooking approximately 1 minute per side until achieving a pink, slightly crisp exterior. Transfer protein and vegetables to a warm plate.
4. Sauce Development: Deglaze pan with reserved tomato juice, reducing liquid by half. Incorporate butter, minced garlic, and flour, stirring continuously to develop a smooth, velvety base. Gradually integrate prepared broth mixture and diced tomatoes, simmering 8-10 minutes to meld flavors and achieve desired sauce consistency.
5. Final Integration: Return sautéed shrimp and peppers to skillet, thoroughly coating with rich sauce. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes to harmonize flavors.
6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately over rice or accompanied by crusty bread.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat shrimp dry to prevent soggy texture and ensure perfect caramelization during cooking.
• Spice Coating Technique: Apply Cajun seasoning generously and evenly for maximum flavor penetration and consistent taste in every bite.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat while sautéing to achieve quick, crisp exterior without overcooking delicate shrimp.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Stir continuously when adding flour to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce base that enhances overall dish quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg