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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil The star of this dish is the large shrimp. I love using fresh shrimp for the best taste. The Cajun seasoning packs a punch of flavor. I use two tablespoons, but you can adjust it to your liking. Olive oil helps to cook the shrimp and gives a nice richness to the dish. - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced I add a bell pepper for color and crunch. You can choose any color you like! The onion gives a sweet flavor when cooked. Garlic adds depth and aroma. You’ll love how these veggies blend with the shrimp. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lime - Salt and pepper to taste Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Corn brings a nice texture to the dish. Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness. Don’t forget the lime juice; it gives a zesty kick! Salt and pepper help to bring all the flavors together. {{ingredient_image_1}} Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coating. This step adds a lot of flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps them soak up the spices. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium heat and wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. The right heat level is key to getting a nice sear on the shrimp. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Now, it’s time to add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You'll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn next. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will heat through the tomatoes and corn, mixing all those great flavors. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This dish is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor! To make a great Cajun seasoning, mix together: - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste This blend brings heat and flavor. You can adjust the spices to fit your taste. For a milder mix, cut back on the cayenne. When sautéing shrimp, use high heat. This cooks the shrimp fast and keeps them juicy. Make sure to spread them out in the skillet. Avoid crowding the pan. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. This helps lock in the flavor. Toss them gently to cook evenly. Serve your Cajun shrimp with: - Rice or quinoa for a filling base - A fresh green salad for crunch - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce Garnish with extra parsley or lime slices. This adds color and brightens the dish. Enjoy your meal hot for the best taste! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take about 3-4 minutes to turn pink and opaque. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish. If possible, opt for fresh corn and tomatoes. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. {{image_2}} To heat things up, you can add more spices. Try cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then adjust to your taste. Extra heat makes the dish vibrant and exciting. You’ll enjoy a tasty kick that pairs well with the shrimp. If you want a veggie version, swap shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up the Cajun seasoning well. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. This way, you keep the flavor while making it plant-based. It's a great choice for any dietary need. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or asparagus work nicely. They add color and nutrition. Adding these veggies keeps the dish fresh and healthy. You can even try adding a bit of kale for more crunch and flavor. To keep your Cajun shrimp skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps maintain flavor and texture. It’s best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the dish evenly and keeps it tasty. Stir the shrimp and veggies often to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of lime juice to boost freshness while reheating. If you want to freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet for the best results. You can add heat by using more Cajun seasoning. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra spice. You can also use hot sauce or add diced jalapeños. Each option boosts flavor and heat. Adjust spice levels to your taste for perfect heat. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain and dry them before seasoning. Fresh shrimp have a better texture, but frozen works well too. Pair Cajun shrimp with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or crusty bread complements the dish nicely. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. These options round out your meal beautifully. Shrimp cook quickly. Large shrimp take about 3-4 minutes to cook. They turn pink and opaque when done. Always avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them for the best results. Cajun shrimp is a healthy choice. Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein. The dish has colorful veggies, adding fiber and vitamins. Using olive oil adds healthy fats. Enjoy this meal guilt-free while savoring its great taste. This Cajun Shrimp Skillet is a quick and tasty dish. We covered key ingredients, like shrimp and Cajun spices, that give it flavor. I shared easy steps to cook it and tips to enhance your meals. You can customize it with extra spices or veggies. Store leftovers safely and reheat without losing taste. This meal is not just delicious; it can be healthy too. Enjoy making this dish, and explore variations to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Cajun Shrimp Skillet Delight

A flavorful and spicy shrimp dish cooked with colorful vegetables and served with lime.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lime juice of

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Serve hot for best flavor.
Keyword Cajun, quick meal, shrimp, skillet