Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
8 mins
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Cook Time
7 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
214 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
North American
Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Description
The Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe begins by marinating peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat. The shrimp are seared briefly to develop color and lock in juices before adding diced green bell peppers and shallots to the pan for a couple of minutes to soften. Tomato paste is then added and cooked on medium heat until it caramelizes, enhancing its natural sweetness and deepening its flavor. Chicken or vegetable stock is stirred in to create a sauce that picks up all the caramelized bits from the pan, giving the dish a rich base. Seasoning is adjusted with salt and pepper to taste.
This dish has a moderately spicy flavor with tender shrimp and crisp-tender peppers. It pairs well with cooked rice or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice, both suggested serving ideas. The recipe notes that medium-sized shrimp work well and that you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- chili flakes a pinch
- 2 medium green bell pepper diced small
- 2 small shallot minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
- salt to taste, sea salt
- black pepper to taste, sea salt
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and chili flakes. Set aside to marinate while you prep the veggies.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 2 minutes. Add the peppers and shallots to the pan then cook for 2 more minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium and push the shrimp and veggies to the side of the pan. Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes, or until it darkens and smells sweet.
- Add the stock to the pan and stir everything together, scraping the bottom to remove any stuck-on flavorful bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Start cooking rice before making the shrimp to serve them hot together.
- Medium-sized shrimp (30/40 count) are recommended for ideal texture.
- Adjust the quantity of Cajun seasoning if your spice blend is especially hot to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 214 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving = ¼ of the recipe | |
| Calories | 214kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 274mg | 91% |
| Sodium | 680mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 756mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2137IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 51mg | 57% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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