Juicy, Flavorful Cajun Shrimp

If you’re craving a dinner that’s full of bold flavor and comes together in under 20 minutes, nothing beats this Cajun Shrimp recipe. Perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon to create a Cajun food classic.

A plate of cajun shrimp with lemon wedges

A Mouthwatering Cajun Shrimp Recipe

I’m kind of jealous you’re makin’ this dish today; it’s one of my favorites! The shrimp cook quickly, which means you can have dinner on the table faster than it takes to order takeout. The Cajun spices give you that perfect little bit of heat without being overpowering, and the garlic and smoked paprika bring a savory depth of flavor that tastes like something you’d find at a New Orleans restaurant alongside other dishes like Southern Shrimp & Grits!

Another thing that makes this dish so special is that it plays along with whatever you’re cookin’ up; you can toss it into a creamy pasta, serve it over black beans and rice, or even pile it onto French bread for a Louisiana-inspired po’ boy.

And if you’re cooking for the whole family, it’s easy to adjust the heat level by using a mild Cajun seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who like it spicy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Lemon juice
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Tip: For the freshest, juiciest shrimp, buy raw shrimp with shells on and peel them yourself. But if you’re short on time, pre-peeled and deveined shrimp are a great shortcut.

Close up of cajun shrimp on a plate with lemon wedges

How to Prepare Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Give them a good toss until they’re evenly coated in the spices. This is to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!

Adding olive oil to a bowl of raw shrimp

Tossing raw shrimp in olive oil, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika

Step 2: Get That Perfect Sear

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear.

Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred around the edges.

Tip: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them rubbery.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss to coat.

Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Squeezing lemon into a pan of seared Cajun shrimp

A plate of Cajun shrimp with a side of bread, lemon wedges, and greens

Now those are some good lookin’ shrimp!

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp

The possibilities are endless when it comes to what pairs best with this succulent shrimp dish, but here are just a few delicious options!

A serving of Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice keeps the focus on the shrimp while balancing the spice.
Toss your shrimp over a bed of Homemade Mashed Potatoes for a classic but heavenly pairing.
Make Some Cajun Shrimp Pasta: You can follow our Creamy Bacon Pasta recipe and simply replace the bacon with shrimp, or have both!

Cajun Shrimp FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

You bet. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
Any store-bought blend works, but making your own gives you control over the salt level and spice. Try mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
How do I store leftover shrimp?
Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth to keep them juicy.
Can I make a bigger batch?
You’ll have a hard time resisting! Just cook the shrimp in batches so they get that nice sear without overcrowding the pan.