Craving a quick and flavorful seafood fix? My Pan Fried Cajun Shrimp is the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds in under 3 minutes! With juicy shrimp, garlic, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, this dish is a breeze to prepare and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Dive into this easy recipe and elevate your seafood game today!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m thrilled to share my Cajun Shrimp recipe with you! Inspired by my Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp, Baked Old Bay Shrimp dishes, I’ve taken it up a notch by adding a kick of Cajun seasoning to create a dish bursting with flavor! Just like my Cajun Shrimp Boil, this recipe highlights how well Cajun seasoning complements shrimp, combined with melted butter and a splash of lemon zest! It’s a bold and tasty meal that pairs perfectly with my Cajun Cauliflower Rice!
This dish is ideal for a quick and delightful lunch or a light dinner, showcasing tender shrimp with vibrant flavors of Cajun spices. If you’re in the mood for a simple yet scrumptious shrimp dish, this fuss free recipe is for you! It’s made in minutes with just one pan and features all-natural ingredients with robust flavors! So if you are ready to spice up your meal, try this recipe today and experience the exciting kick of Cajun flavors!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Shrimp – large peeled shell with tail-on or off. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to properly defrost in the fridge the night before.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Garlic– freshly minced garlic.
- 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 recipe.
- Paprika – used to provide the vibrant colors found in Cajun food.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Lemon – fresh lemon juice is best.
- Parsley – fresh or dried for optional garnish.
Additional Flavoring Add Ins
If you are looking for bolder flavors, consider adding Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, or Black Pepper but just use them sparingly to avoid over-seasoning the shrimp.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Before getting started, ensure you have a Large Deep Skillet on hand to provide ample space for cooking the shrimp.
Step 1 Add cooking oil to a large deep skillet and heat it over high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and cook for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2 Next, add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink throughout.
🦐 Shrimp Cooking Pro Tip
When cooking shrimp, Avoid Overcooking them. Once they turn opaque and pink in color, they’re ready to be removed from the heat. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.
Step 3 Add butter and squeeze lemon on top. Once the butter is melted, transfer to a serving plate.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an extra burst of flavor and a polished presentation, garnish your dish with Fresh Chopped Parsley.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, you can easily adapt this recipe using a garlic butter sauce for a delicious twist—try my Pan Seared Garlic Butter Shrimp dish for a rich, savory flavor. For a veggie-packed option, simply toss in some asparagus to create a delightful Shrimp Asparagus Fry!
Alternatively, for a sweet and tangy variation, use my homemade honey sauce to make an Asian-style Honey Garlic Shrimp dish. Each of these variations brings its own unique flavor profile while keeping the preparation method simple and straightforward!
Pairing Recommendations
If looking to elevate this dish, make sure to pair it with my fantastic Old Bay Aioli sauce! For a hearty side pairing, serve this dish alongside my Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice. If you want to stick with a Cajun theme, my Cajun Cauliflower Rice complements it perfectly. Both options enhance the meal while keeping it simple and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It's best to use raw shrimp to get the most flavor and proper texture. Pre-cooked shrimp may become overcooked and tough.
What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning if I don't have any?
If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Adjust the amounts to taste.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Baked Coconut Shrimp
- Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay Aioli
- Cajun Seafood Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat
- Shrimp Cocktail
Watch How To Make It
Pan Fried Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp Fresh Parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat cooking oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
- Next add shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink all throughout.
- Once the shrimp is cooked, add in butter and lemon juice. Stir well until butter is melted and then transfer to a serving plate.
