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This easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Juicy shrimp are tossed in bold Cajun seasoning, seared until perfectly tender, and finished with a squeeze of lime. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor. The kind of dinner I make when I don’t want to fuss but still want something that feels special.
Want pasta instead? Try my Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a creamy twist.
Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to prepare simply because they are perfect for when you don’t have much time on your hands to make a decent meal. They take less than 10 minutes to season and cook.
Recipe Overview
Before you get started
Here are a few tips that will set you up for success:
→ Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp turn rubbery when reheated, and even though shrimp at the grocery counter can look raw, they’re sometimes already cooked. I recommend that you ask if you’re not sure.
→ Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp only need 2–3 minutes per side. As soon as they curl up and turn pink, they’re done and already cooked through.
→ Seasoning matters. Use your favorite store-bought Cajun blend or make a homemade Cajun seasoning for more control over salt and spice.
Want classic Cajun flavor? Many Cajun shrimp recipes use a butter + garlic base for richness. You can stick with olive oil for a lighter version, or try butter and garlic for a restaurant-style result.
Ingredients you will need
Below is a quick list of minimal ingredients you will need to make this dish. Full ingredients are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Oil: You may use any neutral-tasting oil of your choice. I used olive oil, but avocado oil will also work.
- Shrimp: Use raw shrimp. Get already peeled and deveined shrimp to save on time. I do not recommend you use pre-cooked shrimp. You can also use frozen raw shrimp. Just thaw them ahead.
- Seasonings: Cajun seasoning spice blend is the main seasoning for this recipe. Unless you don’t like cajun, you may use smoked paprika. Consider adding some cayenne pepper for some added heat.
- Salt and pepper: I sprinkle salt and pepper and adjust the amount to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper.
- Lime: The lime wedges are used to garnish at the end if you like a hint of lime or lemons over your seafood or meal. This is optional but recommended
- Fresh parsley to serve is also optional. You may garnish with fresh cilantro too.
How to make Cajun shrimp
Here’s how to make Cajun shrimp step by step — quick, simple, and full of flavor.
1️⃣ Season the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel (helps them sear instead of steam). Toss in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own homemade Cajun seasoning blend if you want more control over the flavor and salt level.
✏️ For more heat: add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
✏️ For smoky depth: add smoked paprika.
2️⃣ Cook in a Hot Skillet
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Avoid crowding the pan — if needed, work in batches for the best sear.
👉 Variation (Butter + Garlic): For a richer, more classic Cajun shrimp, swap olive oil for 2 Tbsp butter. Melt the butter in the skillet, add 1–2 cloves minced garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant before adding shrimp. The Cajun seasoning blends into the garlic butter for a bold, restaurant-style flavor.
3️⃣ Finish & Serve
Remove the shrimp from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with some roasted veggies.
This is one of those recipes I come back to on busy nights — it feels restaurant-worthy but takes less time than setting the table.
Frequently asked questions
Overcooked shrimps always tend to get chewy and rubbery. So if your shrimp comes out rubbery then you cooked it too much. Shrimp cooks fast and doesn’t need much time to cook. It only needs about 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as the shrimp curls up and turns pink they are cooked and ready.
The quick answer is yes. You can cook pre-cooked shrimp that’s store-bought. They usually come frozen so make sure you thaw them first. I do recommend using raw shrimp since they turn out to be more juicy and tasty. You will be running the risk and rubbery shrimp when you cook cooked shrimp. If using pre-cooked, just toss them in the hot butter/oil and seasoning for 1 minute to heat through.
To store leftover cajun shrimp, place them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze your cooked cajun shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge ahead or reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.
What to serve with Cajun Shrimp
Keep it simple, or make it a meal:
- Over rice or quinoa (great with cilantro lime cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- With pasta for a Cajun-inspired shrimp pasta
- With roasted veggies like roasted potatoes or parmesan roasted broccoli and cauliflower
Storage and Reheating
This recipe is also meal-prep friendly. Make a double batch, then portion leftovers into containers with rice or veggies for quick lunches.
➤ Fridge (3 days): Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
➤ Freezer (2 months): Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag or lidded container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
➤ Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave in 30-second bursts. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating because it shouldn’t need more than 60-70 seconds.
More Seafood recipes
- Healthy Shrimp Salad
- Shrimp Creole Recipe
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
- Shrimp Rasta Pasta
- Salmon Piccata Recipe
- Shrimp Fajita Skillet
- Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp
- Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
You may also like
- Crockpot Creamy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
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Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Lime wedges, to serve
- fresh parsley, finely chopped, For garnish
- cooked jasmine rice, Optional
Instructions
- Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- To a large bowl, add the 1 pound large shrimp, Kosher salt and ground pepper, and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with Lime wedges. Serve over cooked jasmine rice, if desired.
Notes
- Serving size: half the amount of the shrimp, about half a pound.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve 4
- Nutrition facts do not include the rice.
- Use any oil of choice
- You may use lemons if you don’t have lime.
- I prefer that you use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked ones.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great taste. I used around 1 tablespoon paprika and added a dash garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of lemon and pepper seasoning. Ate it with instant white rice. Great recipe. Definitely will be making it again.
Nice. Thank you!
I doubled the shrimp, not the oil or seasoning. Even with half the Cajun seasoning, it has a kick. Pretty good, though.
Calls for way too much seasoning. Shrimp turned out so incredibly spicy that my husband, who can eat the spiciest foods, couldn’t eat it. My teenager son who loves spicy food had hiccups after just a couple bites. We tried to eat it along with bites of plain jasmine rice and that didn’t help. Definitely need to dial down the amount of Cajun seasoning on this one if you try it.