Ready to bring a burst of flavor to your seafood game with minimal effort? My Baked Old Bay Shrimp is a breeze to make and packs a punch with a unique zesty mix of Old Bay seasoning and Cajun inspired spices! Perfect for a quick, hassle-free seafood dish that’s both delicious and fail-proof, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving an easy yet flavorful meal!
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Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted this Cajun-inspired baked shrimp recipe with a unique blend of Old Bay seasoning and other zesty Cajun spices to bring a bold, delicious kick to your seafood meal! What makes this dish stand out is the special seasoning mix I’ve perfected, combining elements from my Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp, Pan Fried Cajun Shrimp and my Grilled Shrimp, along with a foolproof baking technique from my Baked Coconut Shrimp!
This recipe is all about ease and flavor – just coat the shrimp in the seasoning and let the oven do the work while you relax or tackle other kitchen tasks! It’s perfect for anyone who wants a fuss-free seafood main course and served with my Old Bay Aioli sauce, it just elevates this dish to restaurant-quality taste! Trust me, you’ll love the vibrant, Cajun-inspired flavors paired with fresh lime and cilantro! Make it today and enjoy a sensational seafood experience with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Shrimp – large peeled shell, devined with tail-on. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to properly defrost in the fridge the night before.
- Old Bay Seasoning – Old Bay Seasoning is a mixture of spices celery salt, and paprika found in the seafood section of grocery stores. Used to provide the main flavors found in the seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning – mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano that can be found at the grocery store. Used to provide the main flavor found in the seasoning mix.
- Lemon Pepper – premixed seasoning found in the spices section. Helps add additional zesty flavors to the seasoning mix. Make sure there is no salt added.
- Garlic Powder – dried garlic powder used in the seasoning mix.
- Paprika – used to provide the shrimp with vibrant colors.
- Lime– fresh wedge of lime used for additional zest.
- Cilantro – freshly chopped used to add flavor to the dish.
🦐 Shrimp Note
I recommend using Large Shrimp that has been Peeled and Deveined, with the tail left on for presentation. If opting for frozen shrimp, ensure it is fully defrosted according to the instructions on the packaging before use.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Silicon Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
Directions
Step 1 Prepare the dry seasoning mix by combining Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 Place the prepared, defrosted shrimp with the tail on in a large mixing bowl. Add half of the dry seasoning, toss to coat, then add the remaining dry seasoning and toss again to ensure even coating of all the shrimp.
Step 3 Place the seasoned shrimp on a baking tray lined with a baking mat and bake at 350F in the center of the oven for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp is no longer opaque.
💡 Baking Pro Tip
When baking shrimp, Don’t Overcrowd. Ensure there is enough space between each shrimp to allow for even baking.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
Ensure the shrimp reaches an Internal Temperature of 135°F.
Step 4 Transfer the baked shrimp to a serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Recipe Variations
Fior
For an Asian-inspired twist on this recipe, simply skip the Cajun seasoning and coat the shrimp with my shredded coconut coating creating my Baked Coconut Shrimp recipe!
Pairing Recommendations
For a well-rounded seafood-inspired meal, serve these baked shrimp with my Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice, which enhances the shrimp’s bold flavors. Pair that with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in my homemade Caesar Dressing for added freshness. To complete the meal, include a bowl of my Salmon Bacon Chowder for a rich and hearty complement!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
How can I make the shrimp spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Old Bay seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
How do I ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning?
Add the seasoning in stages. Toss the shrimp well between each addition to ensure that every shrimp gets a good layer of seasoning. Repeat this process until all the seasoning is used and the shrimp are fully coated.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Cajun Shrimp Boil – Boiling Crab
- Pan Seared Butter Shrimp
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Shrimp Cake with Garlic Aioli
Watch How To Make It
Baked Old Bay Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Shrimp peeled and tail on
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp Lemon Pepper no salt added
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 Wedge Lime
- 1 tbsp Cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Combine Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Add the prepared shrimp to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in half of the dry seasoning mix, toss to coat, then add the remaining seasoning and toss again to ensure even coating.
- Place the seasoned shrimp on a baking tray lined with a baking mat and bake at 350F in the center of the oven for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature of the shrimp reaches 135F.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges.
