Quick & Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Medley Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Cajun shrimp dance with vibrant spices in this mouthwatering medley that captures southern culinary spirit.

Zesty seasonings ignite each succulent morsel with bold, fiery sensations.

Rich, complex flavors blend seamlessly through carefully balanced ingredients and traditional techniques.

Coastal influences shine through this robust dish that celebrates seafood’s remarkable potential.

Peppers and aromatics create a symphony of taste that awakens every sense.

Imagine a plate bursting with color, texture, and intense maritime character.

Such a recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to louisiana’s soulful kitchen.

One bite will convince you this medley belongs in your regular meal rotation.

Cajun Shrimp With Bold Flavor

• Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary shrimp into a bold, flavor-packed dish that dances with zesty, vibrant tastes.
• This one-pan recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated prep.
• Combining protein-rich shrimp with colorful bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes creates a balanced, wholesome meal that's both healthy and satisfying.
• The simple baking method ensures even cooking, tender vegetables, and juicy shrimp with minimal hands-on time and cleanup.

Heat-Level Tips From the Pros

• Maximize Seasoning Impact: Gently massage Cajun spices into shrimp to ensure deep flavor penetration and even coating.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange shrimp and vegetables in a single, spread-out layer to promote perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Check Seafood Doneness: Watch for shrimp turning opaque pink and curling slightly – this signals they're perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten flavors and cut through the richness of the Cajun spices.
• Prevent Overcooking: Set a timer and check shrimp around 15-20 minutes to avoid tough, dry seafood – they cook quickly in the oven.

Save and Reheat Without Drying Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Cajun Shrimp Medley in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Carefully transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, where they can be stored for 1-2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain the shrimp's tender texture.

What to Serve With Cajun Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy Cajun flavors and cut through the richness of the shrimp.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices and add a satisfying textural contrast to the dish.
• Cool Down with Citrus Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with fresh lemon and lime to balance the heat of the Cajun seasoning and provide a refreshing side dish.
• Match with Creamy Quinoa: Prepare a light quinoa pilaf that absorbs the flavorful juices and offers a protein-packed, nutritious accompaniment to the shrimp medley.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp Lovers

• Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops and crab meat, keeping the same Cajun seasoning and vegetable base for a luxurious ocean-inspired dish.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap Cajun seasoning for oregano, thyme, and za'atar, and add kalamata olives and feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired seafood bake.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Incorporate scotch bonnet peppers, coconut milk, and jerk seasoning for a bold, tropical flavor profile that brings Caribbean heat to the classic recipe.
• Veggie Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, maintaining the Cajun spice blend and roasted vegetable technique for a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Shrimp Medley Q&A

• How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Medley?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most store-bought Cajun seasonings are medium-hot, but you can adjust by using less or choosing a mild version if you prefer less heat.

• 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 to prevent excess moisture during baking.

• What can I serve with this Cajun Shrimp Medley?

Rice, quinoa, or crusty bread work great as side dishes. They help soak up the delicious juices from the shrimp and vegetables.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. They should look opaque and feel firm to the touch, which usually takes about 25 minutes in the oven at 400°F.

Everything You Need for the Cajun Medley

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that forms the heart of this spicy dish. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Robust spice mix that adds bold, zesty flavor to the shrimp. Homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning provides authentic Louisiana-style heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat ingredients and provides a smooth, rich base for cooking.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic: Colorful vegetable mix that adds texture, sweetness, and depth to the dish. Choose vibrant, firm vegetables for best results. Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor compared to pre-minced options.

• Lemon: Fresh citrus wedges that brighten the entire dish with a zesty, tangy finish. Suggests using fresh lemons for maximum flavor impact.

How to Cook Spicy Shrimp to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). Make sure the rack is positioned in the center for perfect cooking.

Step 2: Spice Up the Shrimp

• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the shrimp until every morsel is coated with flavor.

Step 3: Chop and Drop Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Garlic

Tumble these colorful ingredients into the shrimp bowl. Give everything a hearty mix to distribute the spices and create a vibrant medley.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto a large baking sheet. Ensure a single layer so each piece gets maximum heat and crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 25 minutes, watching for shrimp to turn pink and vegetables to become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Pull out the baking sheet and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Plate the Cajun Shrimp Feast and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty kick. Enjoy immediately while hot and bursting with flavor!

Cajun Shrimp Medley Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp medley dances with bold Louisiana flavors, bringing sizzling seafood excitement to dinner tables. Gulf Coast inspiration meets home kitchen magic, promising delicious moments you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Cajun seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Ignite the culinary journey by warming the oven to a robust 400°F, creating the perfect environment for a sizzling Cajun shrimp adventure.
2. Tumble succulent shrimp into a spacious mixing vessel, lavishing them with a graceful drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of vibrant Cajun seasoning, massaging the flavors into every crevice.
3. Enhance the medley by introducing a colorful ensemble of sliced bell peppers, diced onions, burst-ready cherry tomatoes, and aromatic minced garlic, gently folding these companions into the seasoned shrimp.
4. Orchestrate the ingredients onto a baking sheet, arranging them in a harmonious single layer that promises even roasting and maximum flavor integration.
5. Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven, allowing the ingredients to dance and transform for approximately 25 minutes, watching for the shrimp to turn a beautiful pink and the vegetables to soften into tender submission.
6. Extract the golden-hued creation from the oven, presenting the Cajun Shrimp Medley with a flourish of fresh lemon wedges, inviting a bright, citrusy accent to complement the spicy, robust flavors.

Notes

• Quick and fiery one-pan dinner that brings bold Cajun flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect weeknight meal for seafood lovers seeking a spicy, nutritious, and hassle-free cooking experience.
• Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen or pre-cooked varieties.
• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and make the meal more substantial.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg