Name: Cajun Shrimp
Prep time: 6 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 300 grams Shrimp; 7 Garlic cloves (- Finely minced); 2 tbsp Cooking oil; 1 Onion (- (Small to Medium sized, Chopped)); 1 tbsp Cajun Spice

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Today, we are making a Cajun shrimp dish that uses only four ingredients and comes together in less than 15 minutes. This dish is perfect for days when you are too busy to cook something elaborate or fancy. The best part is that it requires minimal effort.

You can serve this dish with rice, rolls, buttered bread, or over pasta. Cajun seasoning and shrimp are a classic combination, and the intensity of garlic pairs perfectly with the shrimp. 😉

What do you need to make this Cajun Shrimp?

Shrimp, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cajun Spice.

You can choose either fresh or frozen shrimp. The onions and garlic form the foundation of the dish, which is lightly seasoned with Cajun spice to let the shrimp shine. You can also include other types of seafood, such as calamari, white fish, or clams. Be sure to wash and clean the seafood thoroughly. You may use white onions, red onions, or shallots. Garlic cloves are essential, as caramelized garlic adds a unique flavor to the seafood.

Instructions

Finely chop the onions and slice the garlic cloves. If you are using fresh shrimp with the shells on, remove the shells and clean out the digestive tract by making an incision along the shrimp’s back.

You will notice a thin black line, which is the digestive tract of the shrimp. This section must be removed. In some supermarkets, the fishmonger will butterfly and clean the shrimp for you; if they do, be sure that the digestive tract has been removed correctly. If not, make sure to remove it yourself. After double-checking and cleaning the shrimp, rinse them again and place them in the fridge until you are ready to use them. Next, set the stove to medium-low heat. Sauté the onions and garlic in cooking oil for 5 to 8 minutes, or until caramelized.

Then, add the Cajun spice along with an additional tablespoon of cooking oil. Stir the mixture well and let it cook until the onions and garlic are fully combined with the Cajun seasoning. It is essential to add the shrimp at the end of the process after the onions and garlic have caramelized. Avoid overcooking the shrimp; it is ready as soon as it turns pink from translucent. Serve with finely chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Whether you’re preparing this dish for your family or guests, garlic shrimp is an elegant and crowd-favourite.

What can you Serve with Cajun Shrimp?

This hearty dish pairs with most salads. Consider a Lush Green salad, a crunchy cucumber salad, or a Greek Salad. One of the tastiest combinations also includes Garlic bread or White rice. Consider Garlic Mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for something more comforting.

How can you Store Cajun Shrimp?

Store in the fridge for two to four days. The Cajun shrimp will be more robust and richer in flavour. Make sure that you use an airtight container. You can also freeze this recipe and consume it within three months. Defrost on the countertop and reheat in a pot on the stove.

Expert Tips

Cajun shrimp is a savory dish made with simple ingredients, infused with the rich flavors of garlic, onion, and Cajun spice. While this dish is not particularly spicy, you can increase the heat by adding paprika, fresh chilies, or chili flakes. It can also be served with pasta. We recently created a slightly spicier pasta version of this dish called Shrimp Pasta, which includes tomatoes.

Using pre-cleaned frozen shrimp for this dish is acceptable; simply defrost the shrimp before cooking. You don’t have to remove the shells beforehand; you can peel them while eating the Cajun shrimp. Additionally, using your favorite jar of tomatoes can enhance the dish’s flavor. It’s best to opt for brands from Italy or Spain, as they produce some of the sweetest, most delicious tomatoes, perfect for pasta and seafood dishes. If you can’t find those options at your supermarket and decide to use fresh tomatoes, be sure to add a few teaspoons of tomato paste to achieve a more intense tomato flavor.

Cajun Shrimp

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Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 6

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 14

Servings:

Calories: 292kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Ingredients

▢ 300 grams Shrimp
▢ 7 Garlic cloves – Finely minced
▢ 2 tbsp Cooking oil
▢ 1 Onion – (Small to Medium sized, Chopped)

Spices

▢ 1 tbsp Cajun Spice

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and slice the onions. Remove the shrimp's digestive tract. Wash the shrimp thoroughly. Place the shrimp in the fridge.
Sauté the aromatics: Set the stove to medium-low heat. Add cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to a pot. Sauté until the aromatics have caramelized. Add the Cajun spice. Add the shrimp and cook until it turns translucent to white/pink. Add chopped parsley and enjoy