Name: Oven‑Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Oven‑Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with a perfectly spiced Cajun butter sauce. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously crispy and tender shrimp meal, perfect for any occasion.

Oven‑Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them to coat each piece evenly in the seasoning-butter mixture.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, pouring any remaining butter mixture over the top.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Remove the shrimp from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it spicier, or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for an extra kick.

Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add extra fresh lemon zest to the seasoning mix and use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme to enhance the citrus flavor.

Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a more garlicky version, increase the garlic powder and add a couple of fresh minced garlic cloves to the butter mixture.

Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the baking dish before baking for a one-pan meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be cautious not to overcook them while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes before using.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If I don’t have Cajun seasoning, I can make a quick substitute by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mix will still give me that authentic Cajun flavor!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer to cook the shrimp fresh for the best texture and flavor, but I can prepare the seasoning and butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just toss the shrimp in the mixture before baking when ready.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour or breading. I can enjoy this dish without any worries about gluten.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spice, I can simply cut back on the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. The smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder will still create a flavorful dish without the heat.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for those times when I want something delicious and quick. The buttery, spicy seasoning brings out the best in the shrimp, making each bite irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Recipe:

Oven‑Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Oven-Baked Cajun Butter Shrimp is a quick, flavorful seafood dish combining succulent shrimp with a spiced Cajun butter sauce. It's a perfect option for a fast weeknight dinner or an appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them to coat each piece evenly in the seasoning-butter mixture.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, pouring any remaining butter mixture over the top.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Remove the shrimp from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad.