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Cajun shrimp in a cast iron skillet
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Cajun Shrimp

This easy Cajun shrimp recipe is bursting with bold flavor, garlic butter, and Southern spice—cooked in a cast iron skillet for perfect sear and richness.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword cajun recipes, One Pan Meal, one pan meal recipes, Shrimp Recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 354kcal
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 5 green onions chopped (green only)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Lay the shrimp (2 pounds) out on a tray with paper towels and pat dry.
    Step 1 how to make Cajun shrimp, Dry the shrimp on a paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, add the olive oil (1/4 cup), 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, onion powder (1/2 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and thyme (3 sprigs).
    Step 2 how to make Cajun shrimp, Combine all the seasoning mixture in a bowl.
  • Add the shrimp to a large resealable bag and pour the oil and seasoning mixture in with the shrimp. Move the shrimp around in the bag so that they are all evenly coated. Set aside.
    Step 3 how to make Cajun shrimp, Add the shrimp to a resealable bag and pour the oil and seasoning mixture.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet, add the butter (1/2 cup) and garlic (4 cloves) and over a medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
    Step 4 how to make Cajun shrimp, In a skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic.
  • Add the tomato paste (1 tablespoon) and cook for another 5 minutes.
    Step 5 how to make Cajun shrimp, Add the tomato paste and cook.
  • Pour in the chicken broth (1 cup), squeeze the lemon juice into the pan, add the red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon), the other teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and the chopped green onions.
    Step 6 how to make Cajun shrimp, Pour the chicken broth, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, and green onion. Bring to a boil
  • Bring to a boil then allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, the mixture will reduce by about half.
  • At this point add in the shrimp and cook over high heat for about 3 minutes (turning the shrimp) and cooking for another 3 minutes.
    Step 7 how to make Cajun shrimp, Add the shrimp and cook.
  • Sprinkle with the chopped parsley (2 tablespoons) and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 1657IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 40mg