Spicy Cajun Shrimp Baked in Tin Foil Tray Recipe Magic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this baked cajun shrimp bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Sizzling spices and succulent shrimp create a mouthwatering combination that promises to awaken your taste buds.

The tin foil tray locks in every ounce of zesty seasoning, ensuring each bite delivers maximum taste.

Perfectly balanced between heat and richness, this dish brings southern coastal cuisine right to your dinner table.

Louisiana-style cooking shines through with its bold, robust profile that makes even weeknight meals feel special.

You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can transform into such an extraordinary meal.

Let’s find out this recipe and let the tantalizing aromas sweep you straight to the bayou.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Cajun Shrimp in Tin Foil Tray

• Large Shrimp: Choose plump, fresh shrimp with firm, glossy shells that smell like the ocean, avoiding any fishy odor.

• Cajun Seasoning, Sweet Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a bold, spicy kick that brings southern Louisiana flavor, with cayenne and red pepper flakes adding intense heat you can adjust to your preference.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Deliver deep, aromatic undertones that enhance the shrimp's natural sweetness.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Introduce earthy, herbaceous notes that complement the seafood's delicate taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings evenly and creates a silky, moist texture.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Wedges: Brighten the dish with zesty acidity and provide a fresh, citrusy contrast.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds a pop of color and light, fresh herbaceous flavor.
• Tin Foil: Ensures even cooking and locks in moisture for tender, juicy shrimp.

Tools to Prepare Cajun Foil Shrimp

• Baking tray: Sturdy surface for cooking the shrimp packet.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing shrimp with spices and oil.
• Tin foil: Essential for creating a sealed cooking packet.
• Knife: Useful for cutting foil and preparing lemon wedges.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasoning.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot trays and packets.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Instructions for Baked Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your cooking space by setting the oven to a toasty 375 degrees for perfect shrimp magic.

• Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and dance those succulent shrimp through a whirlwind of spicy Cajun seasonings, letting each morsel soak up the zesty goodness.

• Foil Packet Creation

Lay out a generous sheet of aluminum foil and nestle your seasoned seafood right in the center, creating a cozy flavor sanctuary.

• Citrus and Seasoning Enhancement

Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, then sprinkle salt and pepper to awaken those delicious maritime flavors.

• Sealing the Flavor Treasure

Carefully crimp and fold the foil edges, transforming your shrimp into a sealed flavor package that promises deliciousness.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the foil packet onto a baking tray and let the oven work its transformative magic for 15-20 minutes until the shrimp turn a gorgeous pink.

• Serving Spectacular

Unveil your culinary creation directly from the foil, adorning with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Spicy Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if you enjoy a fiery kick.
• Try different types of shellfish like jumbo prawns or scallops for a delightful variation. Each seafood brings its unique texture and flavor profile.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of thyme and oregano. Fresh herbs can transform the entire dish's aromatic experience.
• Toss sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus into the foil packet for a complete one-pan meal. The vegetables will absorb the delicious Cajun seasonings.
• Prepare the seasoned shrimp in foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. This trick saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully before cooking.

Serving Baked Cajun Shrimp with Style

• Spicy Seafood Fiesta: Pair this zesty Cajun shrimp with fluffy white rice to soak up all those delicious spicy juices and create a complete meal.
• Zesty Party Plate: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or cornbread to complement the bold Cajun flavors and provide a perfect crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Fresh and Light Companion: Toss a simple mixed green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the heat and add a refreshing element to your spicy seafood dish.
• Quick Dinner Date Presentation: Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley and add a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the shrimp, enhancing the bright, tangy notes of the dish.

Storing Cajun Foil Shrimp Safely

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Cajun shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated shrimp stays fresh for 1-2 days and maintains maximum flavor when sealed tightly.
• Freezing Smart Technique: Wrap cooled shrimp in freezer-friendly plastic wrap or vacuum-sealed bags. Frozen Cajun shrimp can last up to 3 months without losing its zesty seasoning profile.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Warm refrigerated shrimp gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Avoid overcooking to keep seafood tender and juicy.
• Advance Prep Hack: Season shrimp and store in marinades up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep sealed in refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption and reduce day-of preparation time.

Sizzling Cajun Shrimp

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This Cajun shrimp recipe delivers fiery Louisiana flavors with zesty spices and succulent seafood. Foil packet cooking ensures maximum flavor and minimal cleanup for home cooks seeking a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Tin foil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating a sizzling environment for the Cajun seafood feast.
2. Seasoning Fusion: In a generous mixing bowl, lavishly massage olive oil and Cajun spice blend into the raw shrimp, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes for an explosive flavor experience.
3. Foil Packaging: Lay out a substantial aluminum foil sheet, artfully arranging the spice-laden shrimp in the center, then cascade fresh lemon juice over the surface, punctuating with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sealing and Cooking: Carefully crimp and fold the foil edges to create an airtight packet, securing the aromatic essence within, then nestle onto a baking tray and slide into the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the shrimp transition to a vibrant, succulent pink.
5. Serving: Retrieve the sizzling packet from the oven, unveil with a flourish, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges, presenting a visually stunning and flavor-packed Cajun shrimp experience.

Notes

• Spice Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Cajun seasoning for authentic flavor depth, ensuring a bold and robust taste profile.
• Shrimp Freshness Counts: Select fresh, deveined shrimp to guarantee optimal texture and prevent rubbery consistency during baking.
• Sealing Technique Crucial: Create a tight foil packet to lock in moisture and prevent the shrimp from drying out during cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Watch shrimp carefully during last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and chewy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 200mg