Cajun Shrimp Skillet
Cajun Shrimp Skillet is so easy to make. You don’t have to travel to the South to enjoy the southern flavor of a cajun dish. Just stay in your kitchen and combine some dried herbs and spices to create a beautiful and delicious dinner with a Southern twist.
follow us on social
Homemade Cajun Shrimp Skillet
If you’re a big fan of dried or fresh herbs and spices, I’m pretty sure your cupboard and spice rack is full of deliciousness. I have no reason not to cook this easy and delicious Cajun Shrimp Skillet. My spice rack is fully stacked, and I have the jumbo shrimps I bought on sale from the grocery store, plus the bell peppers are from my friend’s garden. My cast iron skillet is always readily available for me to create something simple and delicious. I’m ready!
Ingredients and substitutions
Jumbo shrimp: I know shrimp is expensive, especially the jumbo size (19-25 count), but plump shrimps are always juicy and delicious, but a large size (25-30 count) will work. It really depends on how many shrimps you like.
Bell peppers: I like to use different colors of bell peppers, the colorful the dish the more appetizing it is.
Garlic cloves: – fresh garlic is my number one aromatic when it comes to sauteing anything.
Yellow onion:– is sweet and it renders so much flavor.
For the Cajun spice: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt.
The reason I like to make my own blend of spices is that I can control the salt and avoid any artificial flavorings. Homemade is always better!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Instead of shrimp – you can use chicken breast and cut them into thin strips.
You can add any vegetable you like. Use zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, or any of your favorite.
buy the ingredients online
SideChef Affiliate
how to make the Cajun Shrimp Skillet
- Make the Cajun seasoning. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt. Mix until well combined. Separate the mixture into two parts. One is to season the shrimp and the other half is to season the bell pepper or the entire dish.
- Season the shrimp. Place the shrimps in a bowl, sprinkle half of the seasoning and toss to coat, then set them aside.
- Cook the shrimp. Heat the pan with oil, add the butter and let them melt. Add the shrimp and cook for a minute on each side or until they curl. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
- Start sauteing. Use the same pan, add more oil if the pan is drying. Add the onion, and saute until tender or translucent. Add the garlic and continue sauteing until aromatic. Add the bell pepper and the rest of the seasoning, and stir to combine. Add salt to taste.
- Finish cooking. Add the shrimp back to the pan, and stir until well heated. Garnish with parsley.
get free one week meal prepping recipes
watch how to make the cajun shrimp skillet
follow us on social
similar recipes you might like
print the recipe
Cajun Shrimp Skillet
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet
- knife
- cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound Jumbo shrimps, peeled and deveined, tail on
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, deseed and sliced
- handful of roughly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt. Stir and mix well. Divide the blend of spices into two parts. One part is to season the shrimp and the other part is for sauteeing the rest of the ingredients.
- In a bowl, add the shrimp and half of the seasoning. Toss to coat well.
- Heat the pan with oil, add the butter and wait until they melt. Add the shrimp and cook for a minute on each side or until they curl and firmed.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Use the same pan, add more oil if it starts drying. Add the onion and saute until tender or translucent.
- Add the garlic and continue sauteeing until aromatic. Add the bell pepper, and cook until tender. Add the rest of the seasoning and shrimp. Stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
frequently ask questions
What do I serve with the Cajun Shrimp:
- You can eat it by itself. Or with steamed or fried rice.
What is the difference between Cajun and Creole:
- Both Cajun and Creole can be found in many restaurants in New Orleans. They are native to Louisiana and are two distinct ethnic groups with their own unique history. Creole has a rich tomato base sauce. In contrast, Cajun is more like a dry rub and has a robust and rustic smokey flavor. I make my Cajun blend spices with smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. The spices for Cajun dishes are also used to make jambalaya.
I’m not a big fan of bell pepper, can I use a different kind of vegetable:
- Of course, you can. You can have zucchini, cauliflower, and even winter squash.
equipment recommended
Hi there! Nice to meet you. My name is Jen.
I’m a mom of 2 wonderful girls. I love to prepare and cook home-cooked meals. Cooking and planning your meals might sound like another chore added to your already long list of things to do. Believe me, I’ve been there. However, cooking more meals at home is worth all the effort. After years of cooking for my family and teaching culinary classes, I can honestly say that I have more control over the quality of the ingredients I use. That means I’m eating a lot better. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and you don’t have to eat the same thing repeatedly. There are ways we can do and naturally enhance the flavor of our food and enjoy home-cooked meals.