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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Completely thaw and meticulously dry shrimp using paper towels. Coat generously with Cajun spice blend, ensuring uniform seasoning coverage across each morsel.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Integration: Return sautéed shrimp and peppers to skillet, thoroughly coating with rich sauce. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes to harmonize flavors.
- 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