If you’re craving something quick, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. Bursting with Southern charm and infused with the bold spices of Cajun cuisine, these shrimp are baked in a foil packet for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
This dish has roots deep in Louisiana, where food is more than just sustenance—it’s a celebration. My love for this recipe comes from those summer evenings on the porch, when my uncle would fire up the seafood boil and let the spices do the talking. But the beauty of Baked Cajun Shrimp is that it brings all those bold flavors without the mess or fuss of a boil. And with the warmth it brings, it’s just as welcome on a cozy winter table as it is at a sunny backyard gathering.
Why You’ll Love Baked Cajun Shrimp
- One-pan wonder: Foil packet cooking means almost zero cleanup.
- Big Cajun flavor: A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs brings the heat and depth.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Seasonally versatile: Perfect for summer grilling or cozy winter meals.
Ingredients for 4 Servings
- 2 pounds of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated—like dressing them in their Sunday best for a Cajun feast.
Step 3: Build the Foil Packet
Tear off a generous sheet of foil and lay it flat on a baking tray. Pile the seasoned shrimp in the center, then drizzle the lemon juice on top. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Seal the Packet
Bring the sides of the foil up and seal tightly, creating a pouch that will lock in the steam and flavor as the shrimp cook.
Step 5: Bake
Place the foil packet on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Carefully open the foil packet—watch for the steam! Let it rest for a minute or two, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve directly from the foil for that rustic, laid-back Cajun charm.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp
- Don’t overbake: Shrimp cook fast. Check at 15 minutes to avoid rubbery texture.
- Customize the heat: Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to your taste. You can make it kid-friendly or fiery-hot!
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or sliced onions make excellent add-ins.
- Foil swap: Parchment paper works too—just seal tightly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas:
- Cajun rice or dirty rice
- Cornbread or garlic toast
- Coleslaw or a citrusy arugula salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
Perfect for a casual dinner, seafood spread, or meal prep for the week!
Make-Ahead & Storage
To make ahead: Season the shrimp and assemble the foil packet up to 1 day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake fresh when ready.
Leftovers: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture, or enjoy cold on salads and tacos!
From My Kitchen to Yours
Baked Cajun Shrimp brings the heart of Louisiana to your dinner table—without needing a seafood boil or outdoor pit. It’s spicy, soulful, and deeply comforting. Whether it’s part of a Sunday dinner or a quick weeknight fix, this recipe delivers the kind of flavor that makes you feel right at home.
Baked Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
- Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated—like dressing them in their Sunday best for a Cajun feast.
Step 3: Build the Foil Packet
- Tear off a generous sheet of foil and lay it flat on a baking tray. Pile the seasoned shrimp in the center, then drizzle the lemon juice on top. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Seal the Packet
- Bring the sides of the foil up and seal tightly, creating a pouch that will lock in the steam and flavor as the shrimp cook.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the foil packet on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
- Carefully open the foil packet—watch for the steam! Let it rest for a minute or two, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve directly from the foil for that rustic, laid-back Cajun charm.
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