Baked Cajun Shrimp is the ultimate easy, flavorful seafood dish — plump, juicy shrimp coated in a bold, smoky, and spicy Cajun seasoning, then baked in a foil packet until perfectly cooked. This recipe is a celebration of big, bold flavors and minimal effort, where a handful of pantry spices come together to create a dish that’s packed with Louisiana-inspired flavor. The magic begins with a simple spice blend of Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes, which coats the shrimp in a vibrant, flavorful crust. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness, and the shrimp are sealed in a foil packet with olive oil, locking in all the juices and flavors as they bake.
The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the foil packet steams the shrimp to perfection, keeping them tender and juicy while infusing them with all the spicy, savory goodness of the seasoning. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in under 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. Serve it with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, and watch it disappear.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Bold, spicy, and flavorful — Cajun seasoning and a blend of spices pack a punch.
- Quick and easy — ready in under 25 minutes with minimal prep.
- Foil packet cooking — locks in moisture and flavor, with easy cleanup.
- Tender, juicy shrimp — perfectly cooked every time.
- Versatile — serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juice only
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tin foil
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss until well coated.
Step 3: Make the Foil Packet
Place the seasoned shrimp in the center of a large piece of tin foil. Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fold the foil into a packet, sealing the edges well to keep the juices inside.
Step 4: Bake
Place the foil packet on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest briefly before opening. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
TIPS
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Adjust the heat — add more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- Seal the foil tightly — this traps the steam and juices, keeping the shrimp moist and flavorful.
- Use fresh lemon juice — it brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, zesty finish.
- Serve with crusty bread — perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended — shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.
Baked Cajun Shrimp is a bold, spicy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender shrimp and vibrant Cajun seasoning, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
