Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp Recipe - Spicy and Flavorful!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a spicy Cajun seasoning blend that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is sure to please.

History

The origins of Cajun cuisine can be traced back to the French-speaking Acadian people who settled in Louisiana in the 18th century. Cajun cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices, which are influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Native American cooking traditions. The Cajun seasoning used in this recipe typically includes a blend of cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, mustard, thyme, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) shrimp, medium size
0.5 cup margarine
4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
2.25 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place the margarine in a 13 x 9 baking pan, and then place the pan in the oven.
While the pan is in the oven, wash and peel the shrimp.
Devein the shrimp.
By the time you have finished prepping the shrimp, the margarine should be melted in the pan.
In a small bowl, mix together the spices and blend well.
Place the shrimp into the pan, and then sprinkle the blended seasonings onto the shrimp.
Mix the shrimp, margarine, and spices until the shrimp is well-coated.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, then remove the shrimp and check for doneness.
The shrimp should be pink when done.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, and celery to the baking pan for a Cajun shrimp and vegetable medley.
Drizzle with lemon juice or serve with a side of tartar sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat the oven before placing the baking pan with margarine in it to ensure even melting.

- Devein the shrimp before cooking to remove any gritty or sandy texture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to suit your spice preference.

- Keep an eye on the shrimp while baking to prevent overcooking, as shrimp can become tough if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used instead of margarine.

- Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the seasoning blend in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to a week. This will save time when making the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the spicy flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp contains approximately 18 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp is a good source of vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (margarine), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of healthy fats and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp is a flavorful and spicy dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a blend of Cajun spices and succulent shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with this delicious dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp. It was many years ago, back when I was a young woman just starting to explore the world of cooking. I had always loved spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and techniques. But this recipe, with its bold Cajun spices and succulent shrimp, was unlike anything I had ever tried before.

I first came across the recipe in a small, dusty cookbook that I found at a yard sale. The cover was worn and faded, and the pages were yellowed with age. But as soon as I saw the picture of the sizzling shrimp, coated in a fiery red sauce, I knew I had to try it.

I took the cookbook home and pored over the recipe, studying each ingredient and method with care. The list of spices was long and exotic – cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder – and I was excited to see how they would come together to create a symphony of flavors.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen, gathering all the ingredients I would need to make the dish. I carefully peeled and deveined the shrimp, marinating them in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and the Cajun spice blend. As the shrimp soaked up the flavors, I prepared the sauce, sautéing onions, peppers, and tomatoes until they were soft and fragrant.

Once everything was ready, I cooked the shrimp in a hot skillet, watching as they turned pink and curled into tight, juicy morsels. The scent of the Cajun spices filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the shrimp were done, I spooned them over a bed of fluffy white rice and drizzled the sauce on top. I took my first bite, savoring the spicy, tangy flavors that exploded in my mouth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness.

From that moment on, Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp became one of my signature dishes. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time, it was a hit, with everyone clamoring for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding a touch more garlic here, a pinch of smoked paprika there. But the essence of the dish remains the same – bold, flavorful, and utterly delicious.

I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have asked me for it after trying it at a potluck. And each time, I have seen the same sense of wonder and excitement in their eyes that I felt when I first discovered it.

Now, as I look back on my years of cooking and collecting recipes, I realize that Red Lobster Cajun Shrimp holds a special place in my heart. It was the dish that sparked my passion for bold, adventurous flavors, and it continues to be a favorite among my friends and family.

I may have learned to make the recipe from a dusty old cookbook, but the memories of that first taste – the heat of the spices, the sweetness of the shrimp, the satisfaction of a dish well-made – will stay with me forever. And I hope that others who try it will feel the same sense of wonder and delight that I did all those years ago.