Baked Cajun Shrimp is a quick sheet-pan seafood recipe with smoky paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. The shrimp are coated with oil and seasoning, spread into a single layer, and baked until hot and well seasoned.
This is a useful recipe when you want Cajun-style flavor without standing over a skillet. Because the published recipe uses cooked shrimp, keep a close eye on the baking time so the shrimp heat through without drying out.
Why This Baked Cajun Shrimp Is Easy
- Minimal prep: The shrimp are coated directly in oil and spices before baking.
- No stovetop splatter: Everything cooks on one lined baking sheet.
- Bold seasoning: Smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano give the shrimp a warm Cajun-style flavor.
- Easy to serve: Pair with rice, salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Better Baked Shrimp
Spread the shrimp in a single layer so they heat evenly. If they are piled on top of one another, they can release moisture and steam instead of roasting.
Since the shrimp in this published recipe are already cooked, the goal is to warm them through and let the seasoning coat the surface. Check them before the full baking time if your shrimp are small.
A fresh lemon wedge at serving time helps balance the smoky and spicy seasoning.
Ingredients
- 12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, cooked
- 1 canola oil
- 1 smoked paprika
- 1 onion powder
- 1 garlic powder
- 1 1/2 salt
- 1/2 cayenne pepper
- 1/2 thyme leaves
- 1/4 ground oregano
How to Make Baked Cajun Shrimp
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Add the oil, cover the bowl, and gently shake until the shrimp are coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
- Add the seasoning mixture to the shrimp. Cover and gently shake again until the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, watching closely so the shrimp do not overcook.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges if desired.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or low oven just until warm. Shrimp can become tough quickly if reheated for too long.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Try Crispy Fried Shrimp, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, or Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp. You can also browse the full Seafood collection.