Oh, the magic of quick dinners! This creamy Cajun shrimp dish is like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. It’s got that spicy kick you crave and an indulgent creaminess that feels like a guilty pleasure (but it’s not really that bad, right?
). Just the other day, I found myself craving it while stuck in traffic—dreaming of the sizzling shrimp and aromatic spices, almost made me forget the chaos of honking cars.
Steps
- Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt. Once melted, incorporate the minced garlic.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the butter-garlic mixture to ensure they are well coated.
- Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes. They should turn opaque and have a pinkish-white color, indicating they are fully cooked.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
Nutritional Values
Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 715mg | Sodium: 1842mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1037IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- How can I tell if the shrimp is cooked properly?
- Cooked shrimp will change from a translucent gray to a white color with pink and red accents. It should also form a tight “C” shape and reach an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Can I store leftovers of cooked Cajun shrimp?
- Yes, you can store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 6 months. Make sure to cool them to room temperature before freezing.
- How do I reheat cooked shrimp?
- To reheat, ensure the shrimp is fully thawed if frozen. Heat some oil or butter in a skillet, add the shrimp, and warm them until they are hot to the touch.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic for the recipe?
- You can substitute fresh garlic with minced garlic from a jar. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic for each clove of fresh garlic.
- Can I adjust the spiciness of the Cajun shrimp?
- Yes, the heat level can be modified by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can either reduce or increase the seasoning to meet your personal taste preferences.
Tips
- Prepare Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Before you start cooking, consider making your own Cajun seasoning using spices you already have in your pantry. This will enhance the flavor of the shrimp and allow you to adjust the seasoning to your preferred level of heat.
- Watch the Shrimp’s Color: To ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked, pay attention to its color change. Shrimp will turn from gray and translucent to white with pink and red accents, becoming opaque and slightly shiny when done.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the shrimp for up to 6 months, ensuring they are cooled to room temperature before freezing.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and gently warm them in a skillet with a little oil or butter to maintain their texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Medium-Sized Skillet – A good-quality skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Garlic Press – If you prefer using fresh garlic, a garlic press can make mincing easier.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful to ensure the shrimp is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
