Cajun Shrimp
A flavorful Cajun shrimp dish featuring bold spices, sautéed shrimp, and mushrooms in a rich butter sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a spicy, savory meal, it pairs beautifully with rice or pasta for a satisfying, quick-to-make dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 3/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons fish stock ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- cooked rice or pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter.
- Add chopped green onions, salt, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, dried basil, thyme, and oregano; stir well.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp; sauté until pink, about 1 minute, shaking the pan.
- Add sliced mushrooms, fish stock, and the remaining butter; cook until mushrooms are tender and sauce is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can be a convenient substitute. Use frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable; just ensure they are properly thawed before cooking. This dish can also be enhanced with a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun shrimp dish over a bed of cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For additional seafood inspiration, browse more seafood recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of fish stock or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Shrimp contains roughly 981 calories, with 34g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2760mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the shrimp's texture. If using frozen, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
What can I substitute for fish stock?
If you don't have fish stock, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, consider adding a little bit of white wine to the broth. This will add depth to the sauce, making it a great alternative.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also omit the black pepper and white pepper, or replace them with mild spices like paprika. Adjusting the seasonings will help tailor the heat to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).