Cajun-Style Shrimp 🔥🦐 Spicy, Smoky, and Pan-Seared to Perfection

— Louisiana Heat in Under 15

Cajun-Style Shrimp is fast, fiery, and full of character. Tossed in a bold Cajun spice blend and sizzled in a hot skillet, these shrimp bring the heat without losing their buttery, juicy bite.

Perfect as the protein in a Southern spread, or the main event on a weeknight plate.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (see DIY blend below)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (or a mix)
• Optional: juice of ½ lemon or splash of hot sauce
• Optional garnish: chopped scallions, parsley, or lemon wedges

🔧 DIY Cajun Seasoning (if needed):

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp very dry.
2. Toss in Cajun seasoning until well coated. Add a light drizzle of oil if needed to help it stick.

Step 2: Sear Hot and Fast

1. Heat oil/butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink, firm, and charred at the edges.
3. Optional: Squeeze lemon or splash hot sauce into the pan to finish.

Step 3: Serve Immediately

Garnish with fresh herbs or scallions and serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Creamy Cajun Shrimp – Add a splash of cream or coconut milk after searing for a quick sauce
• Sweet Heat – Add a drizzle of honey or maple at the end to balance the spice
• Smoky Bourbon Glaze – Deglaze pan with a shot of bourbon + butter + sugar
• Grilled Cajun Shrimp – Skewer and grill instead of pan-frying

Serving Ideas

• Over dirty rice or Cajun red beans and rice
• In tacos with slaw and lime crema
• Tossed with pasta and garlic butter
• Piled into a po’boy with remoulade
• On a salad with crispy okra and vinaigrette

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed
• Use tail-on shrimp for presentation and extra flavor
• For extra char, let shrimp cook undisturbed for 2 full minutes before flipping
• Add lemon or vinegar after cooking to brighten up the spice

Final Thoughts

Cajun-Style Shrimp is big on flavor, fast on execution, and endlessly flexible. It’s shrimp that stands up, speaks loud, and brings Southern heat to any dish.

Season bold. Sear fast. Serve hot. 🔥🦐🌶️

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.