Cajun Shrimp (Easy Oven-Baked)

Easy Cajun shrimp baked in butter with bold spices, ready in under 20 minutes. This oven-baked shrimp recipe features juicy shrimp seasoned with cayenne, paprika, garlic, and herbs, making it perfect for quick dinners, seafood meals, or entertaining. A simple shrimp recipe that pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread and works for weeknight cooking or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs shrimp (41–50 count), peeled and deveined, tails on if desired
• 1 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch dried rosemary, crushed
• Pinch dried thyme, crushed
• Pinch dried oregano, crushed
• Fresh lemon wedges, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the butter between two pie pans. Place the pans in the oven while it heats, just until the butter is fully melted. Remove from the oven.
2. Season the butter: In a small bowl, mix black pepper, cayenne, salt, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Sprinkle half of the seasoning blend into each pan of melted butter and stir to combine.
3. Add the shrimp: Divide shrimp evenly between the pans. Gently stir to coat the shrimp completely with the seasoned butter.
4. Bake: Return pans to the oven and bake for 12–16 minutes, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, if desired.

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Tips

• Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked, for the best texture.
• Watch closely—shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overbaked.
• For extra flavor, baste the shrimp with the butter sauce halfway through baking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Less spicy: Reduce cayenne or omit it entirely.
• Extra heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or more cayenne.
• Dairy-free: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil.
• Herb twist: Add fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before baking.

Can I make this in one dish?
Absolutely. A 9×13-inch baking dish works well if you don’t have pie pans.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over rice, grits, or pasta.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce.
• Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy with minimal prep
• Bold Cajun flavor using simple pantry spices
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining