Spicy Cajun Shrimp
Spicy Cajun Shrimp features bold seasonings, garlic, and tomatoes, offering a flavorful dish perfect for seafood lovers. Pairs well with rice, crusty bread, and fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 2 dozen large shrimp or 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Clean and devein the shrimp under cold water. Drain well and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings: cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, red pepper, dried thyme, basil, and oregano.
- In a large skillet over high heat, melt the margarine or butter.
- Add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, then stir in the spice mixture.
- Add the coarsely diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring evenly.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the beer, cover, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice with crusty French bread and a fresh garden salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper to suit your taste. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you don’t have margarine or butter, olive oil works well too. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs at the end. This dish is great for entertaining, especially when you pair it with crusty French bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy Cajun shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. Complement it with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it alongside dishes like Crab Cakes Ala Sally.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, being careful not to overcook. You can also add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cajun Shrimp contains roughly 96 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the spice mixture and clean the shrimp in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the dish right before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you must make it ahead, reheat gently and serve immediately.
What types of shrimp are best for this recipe?
Large shrimp are recommended for a satisfying bite, but medium shrimp work just as well. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of cooking. Fresh shrimp provide the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used—just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne and crushed red pepper according to your heat preference. Adding more herbs like dried thyme or basil can enhance the flavor without increasing the heat. You can also serve it with sour cream or yogurt on the side to cool down the spice.
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).