Cajun Lemon Herb Shrimp Boil

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Looking to bring some Southern flair to your dinner table? This Cajun Lemon Herb Shrimp Boil is your ticket to a flavorful feast. It’s got all the spice, zest, and heartiness you crave, perfect for a casual gathering or a festive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Cajun Lemon Herb Shrimp Boil

Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a sweet, succulent contrast to the bold spices. Use large shrimp for the best texture.

Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Baby red potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up all the flavors and provides substance to the meal.

Smoked sausage: Infuses the dish with a smoky depth, pairing perfectly with the shrimp and veggies.

Cajun seasoning: The flavor powerhouse. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a tangy zing, enhancing all the flavors.

Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully, ensuring a nice, even cook.

Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano): Add a fresh, aromatic finish that complements the robust spices.

Butter: A decadent touch that melds the flavors together, making every bite luscious.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add them in the final 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix.
  • Make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before seasoning to get a nice roast.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread to mop up the flavorful juices. A chilled glass of white wine or a light beer complements the spices nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before using.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of thyme.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers or zucchini would be great additions or substitutes.

Cajun Lemon Herb Shrimp Boil Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and toss in the baby red potatoes. Boil them for about 10 minutes until they're just tender. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly.

In a spacious bowl, mix the shrimp, corn, sausage, boiled potatoes, and olive oil. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, add the lemon juice, and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until it's evenly coated.

Spread this vibrant mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and let it roast for 15 minutes, giving those flavors a chance to meld and develop.

Once the 15 minutes are up, drizzle the melted butter over the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle the fresh parsley, thyme, and oregano on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes. The shrimp should be cooked through, and everything will look beautifully golden.

Serve immediately, perhaps with some extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrus punch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Combines vibrant Cajun spices with fresh herbs for a flavor explosion.
  • Minimal cleanup with one-pan roasting.
  • Versatile and customizable to suit your heat preference.

Ingredients

2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ears corn, each cut into 4 pieces
1 lb baby red potatoes
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
2 lemons, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1/2 cup butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot, boil potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, corn, sausage, boiled potatoes, and olive oil. Toss with Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, and oregano.
6. Roast for an additional 5 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and everything is golden.
7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

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