YUMMY! 😋

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Bring the bold flavors of the South to your table with this Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe! These juicy, large shrimp are tossed in a zesty Cajun spice blend, sealed in a foil packet, and baked to perfection with a burst of lemony goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or a cozy meal filled with southern hospitality. Pair it with creamy coleslaw or crusty garlic toast, and get ready for a flavor-packed experience! #recipeshare

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking tray
• Tin foil
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Foil Packet: Lay a large sheet of tin foil on a flat surface. Place the seasoned shrimp in the center, spreading them out evenly. Drizzle with the juice of 1 lemon, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fold and seal the edges of the foil tightly to create a packet, trapping all the flavors inside.
3. Bake: Place the foil packet on a baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
4. Serve with Care: Remove the packet from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Carefully open the foil to release the aromatic steam (watch for hot steam!). Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Net Carbs: 1.5g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 600mg (varies based on Cajun seasoning and salt)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cajun Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook: Check the shrimp at 15 minutes to ensure they stay tender and juicy. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Adjust the Heat: Reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor, or add more for extra spice.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, diced potatoes, or corn on the cob pieces to the foil packet for a heartier dish (note: potatoes may require longer cooking time).
• Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Foil Packet Tip: Ensure the foil is sealed tightly to trap steam, which helps cook the shrimp evenly and infuses them with flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prep the seasoned shrimp and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 4 hours before baking.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can become tough after freezing and reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Cool and Creamy: Pair with creamy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the Cajun heat.
• Hearty Sides: Serve with buttery corn on the cob or crusty garlic toast to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Low-Carb Option: Enjoy with zucchini noodles or a side of roasted asparagus for a keto-friendly meal.
• Party Platter: Serve straight from the foil packet for a fun, communal dining experience with extra lemon wedges and dipping sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Bold Flavors: The Cajun spices and lemon juice create a vibrant, Southern-inspired taste.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or festive gatherings.
• Healthy: Low-carb, high-protein, and packed with flavor without heavy ingredients.

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Ready to savor this Cajun shrimp delight? Save this recipe, share it with friends using #recipeshare, or leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! 🍤🔥

Tags: Cajun Shrimp, Baked Shrimp, Low-Carb Recipes, Southern Recipes, Easy Dinners, Healthy Seafood

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