Easy Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Ready in Minutes
One of my favorite ways to turn a bag of frozen shrimp into something bold and flavorful is with this easy Spicy Cajun Shrimp recipe.
It’s perfect as an appetizer or served alongside veggies and grains for a balanced meal, delivering a lean source of protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients that support overall health. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this shrimp comes together in minutes, making it a quick, protein-packed option you’ll want to keep in your meal rotation.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing starter or a simple way to add variety to a flexitarian plate, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Versatile: This shrimp can be served as an appetizer, tossed into tacos, added to grain bowls, or paired with roasted veggies for a balanced meal. It’s a flavorful addition to any flexitarian plate!
Easy Shrimp Recipe: With just a handful of ingredients and simple cooking steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal prep, perfect for when you need a no-fuss meal.
Quick Weeknight Meal: From freezer to plate in under 15 minutes, this spicy shrimp is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s fast, satisfying, and packed with protein to keep you feeling full.
Bold & Flavorful: Toasting the Cajun seasoning in oil enhances its depth, giving the shrimp a smoky, spicy kick that’s restaurant-worthy—but made right at home.
Healthy & Protein-Packed: Shrimp is a lean, nutrient-dense protein that’s rich in omega-3s, B12, and selenium, making this a delicious way to nourish your body without extra effort.
This is a shrimp recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again!
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple with just a few key ingredients, letting the bold flavors shine.
- 1 lb raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined for easy prep.
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning – Use My Cajun Seasoning for the perfect smoky-spicy blend.
- 2 tbsp butter or oil – Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps it light and heart-healthy.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional) – A bright, zesty finish that balances the spice.
Pro Tip: If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking to get the best texture and flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make flavorful Spicy Cajun Shrimp in minutes.
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Prepare the Seasoning – If making your own, mix the Cajun seasoning in a small mixing bowl. If using a pre-made blend, measure it out and set aside.
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Heat the Skillet – Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil and let it heat until shimmering.
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Toast the Spices – Stir in the Cajun seasoning, letting it toast in the hot oil for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance the flavors. Tip: Toasting the Cajun seasoning in oil before adding the shrimp helps unlock its full depth of flavor, giving the shrimp a richer taste.
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Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they have space to cook evenly. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly crisp at the edges. Tip: Avoid overcooking—shrimp cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and curl.
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Finish and Serve – Remove from heat and, if using, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Shrimp
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp makes a great appetizer on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it for even more flavor and variety:
- On a Platter: Arrange the shrimp on a serving board with skewers or toothpicks, lemon wedges, and a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, remoulade, or Cajun aioli.
- With Crostini: Serve over toasted baguette slices with a drizzle of lemon juice or a smear of garlic butter.
- Shrimp Cocktail Style: Chill the cooked shrimp and serve with a spicy Cajun cocktail sauce for a twist on the classic.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the shrimp into butter lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of green onions and a squeeze of lime.
- Taco Night: Use this shrimp in shrimp tacos, adding slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
- Stuffed Avocado: Halve an avocado and top it with the shrimp for a creamy, spicy combination.
Variations and Customizations
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try one of these variations:
- Add More Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- Swap The Citrus: Swap lemon juice for lime juice to give the shrimp a tangy, citrusy kick.
- Garnish: Top with green onions, parsley, cilantro, or thinly sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the final dish.
- Add a Dipping Sauce: Serve with tartar sauce for a creamy, tangy contrast to the bold spices.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Whether using fresh shrimp or a bag of shrimp from the freezer, both work, just be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Twist: Add minced garlic to the pan when toasting the spices for an extra layer of garlicky depth.
- Make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: My recipe for Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is dairy-free and delicious.
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
Dairy-Free Healthy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
Easy Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice: A Must Try for Canned Tuna Recipes
Simple Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Smoked Trout
Easy Spicy Shrimp Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lbs frozen shrimp
- 1 ½ tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 fresh lemon
Instructions
Toast the Seasoning:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add Cajun Seasoning. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Increase heat to medium and add shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly crisped. If using garlic, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and, if using, drizzle with lemon juice. Let cool slightly, then thread shrimp onto skewers or toothpicks.
Garnish & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with a dipping sauce like Cajun aioli.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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