What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning is a dry spice blend that usually combines paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and dried oregano or thyme. A simple ratio to make about 1/4 cup: 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne (adjust to taste), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Mix and store in an airtight jar. Use more or less cayenne to control heat.

How do I make a quick Cajun shrimp skillet with rice?

Sear diced onion, bell pepper and garlic in 1–2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes. Stir in 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add 1 cup rinsed long-grain rice and toast 1 minute. Add 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, bring to boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer 15–18 minutes. Meanwhile toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with a little oil and 1 tsp seasoning and cook in a separate skillet 2–3 minutes per side until opaque; fold into rice and rest 2 minutes before serving.

How long should I cook shrimp in a Cajun skillet so it doesn’t get rubbery?

Shrimp cook very quickly—generally 2–3 minutes per side for medium (21/25) shrimp and up to 4 minutes per side for large (16/20). Cook on medium-high heat until the shrimp turn opaque and form a slight C-shape. Overcooking makes them tough, so remove from heat as soon as they’re firm and opaque. If adding shrimp to simmering rice, add them in the last 3–4 minutes so they steam through without overcooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp for a Cajun shrimp skillet, and how should I thaw it?

Yes. For best texture, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. For a quick method, place sealed shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes, changing water if needed, then pat dry. Dry shrimp sear better and won’t water down the skillet. If cooking from frozen in a pinch, expect extra liquid—cook briefly to release and drain excess liquid, then finish on higher heat to get some browning.

How do I store and reheat leftovers from a Cajun shrimp skillet?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours; use within 3–4 days. For best texture, store shrimp separate from rice or vegetables if possible. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of broth or oil for 3–5 minutes, stirring until warmed through. Microwaves work—cover and heat in short 30-second bursts—but take care not to overcook the shrimp. Freeze cooked shrimp and rice up to 2–3 months, knowing shrimp texture may soften after thawing.

Cajun Shrimp Skillet 20 Min One Pan Dinner For Weeknights

Name: Cajun Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun/Louisiana
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 2 2/3 cups chicken broth; 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika for Cajun seasoning mix; 1 teaspoon salt for Cajun seasoning mix; 1 teaspoon garlic powder for Cajun seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper for Cajun seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for Cajun seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian herb blend) for Cajun seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for Cajun seasoning mix; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for Cajun seasoning mix

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/3 cups uncooked long grain white rice

2 2/3 cups chicken broth

1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika for Cajun seasoning mix

1 teaspoon salt for Cajun seasoning mix

1 teaspoon garlic powder for Cajun seasoning mix

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper for Cajun seasoning mix

1/2 teaspoon onion powder for Cajun seasoning mix

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian herb blend) for Cajun seasoning mix

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for Cajun seasoning mix

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for Cajun seasoning mix

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Instructions

1-First, mix up your Cajun seasoning by combining all the spices in a small bowl. This sets the stage for the bold taste that defines a great Cajun shrimp skillet.

2-Start by getting everything ready to make the process smooth. Pat the shrimp dry and season it lightly before you begin. Slice any veggies if needed, though this recipe keeps it simple with just rice and shrimp as the main players.

3-Melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and half the seasoning to coat the rice. Pour in the broth, bring it to a boil, and simmer covered for about 15 minutes. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking, building a solid base for your Cajun shrimp skillet.

4-While the rice simmers, toss the shrimp with the remaining butter and seasoning. Add it to the skillet at the 15-minute mark and cook for another 3 5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink. This step keeps everything in one pan for easy cleanup, a big win for busy cooks.

5-Once done, garnish with parsley if you like, and serve hot. For variations, check out this related recipe for grilled shrimp tacos to mix things up with a fresh twist.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌶️ Make a larger batch of the Cajun seasoning to store in an airtight container for future quick meals
🍤 For perfectly browned shrimp, sauté them briefly first, set aside, then add back to the rice just before serving
🍚 Don’t skip stirring the rice once or twice while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-pan skillet
Cuisine: Cajun/Louisiana
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 453
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 2174
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 9
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 51
Fiber: 1
Protein: 29
Cholesterol: 286