Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp – Indulge, in the balance of spicy flavors with this delightful recipe for Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp. This culinary innovation expertly incorporates shrimp with a marinade of honey and Cajun spices. Resulting in a flavor sensation that will leave an everlasting guise. Whether served as a dinner or an irresistible starter this dish features ingredients such as large raw shrimp, fresh lemon juice, extra light olive oil, soy sauce, honey and Cajun seasoning ensuring a meal that is both wholesome and delectable.
The first time I tried making Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp was a culinary experiment aimed at winning over my doubtful husband and selective child. To my delight not only did the dish win their hearts. It also became a much-loved dearest, at our family assemblages. The blend of honey and spicy Cajun flavors was a triumph. Constructing prized moments overfilled with chuckle and delight at our dining table.
What makes this Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp truly special?
What sets the Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp apart is its quick preparation process. Creating it excellent for busy weeknights or unforgettable celebrations. Its adaptability blazes as it can be served as a course or a precious appetizer to impress your guests. The trance of this dish comes from the combination of flavors; the sweetness of honey and the cushy whiff of Cajun seasoning integrate to deliver a delightful culinary adventure that is both distinct and unforgettable. This meal delivers more, than food—it vows a voyage that will undoubtedly gladden the taste buds of loved ones and guests.
What You Need To Make This Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp Recipe?
Shrimp: The star of the show! Opt for plump, fresh shrimp that offers a juicy bite. While peeling and deveining them may seem like a task consider it as preparing these ocean treasures for their performance.
Lemon Juice: It’s, like a burst of sunshine. Freshly squeezed lemon juice not only adds brightness but also tenderizes the shrimp ensuring they are succulent and bursting with flavor. Each droplet weaves a note throughout the dish.
Extra Light Olive Oil: Our liquid gold. This lighter version of olive oil delicately coats the shrimp with the amount of richness without overshadowing their delicate flavor. It serves as a base for our marinade carrying flavors effortlessly while maintaining a touch.
Soy Sauce: The master of flavors. A dollop of soy sauce brings complexity and a subtle touch of saltiness harmonizing between spicy elements to create a backdrop that elevates all flavors.
Honey: The sweet indulgence. Honey not only sweetens the deal. Also imparts a glossy glaze that renders the shrimp irresistible. Its natural sweetness balances out the heat from Cajun seasoning resulting in a symphony, on your palate.
Cajun Seasoning: The fiery spice blend that adds a kick. This special mix is what truly brings our dish to life infusing it with a blend of spicy and earthy flavors. It’s the secret, behind the boldness, character and unforgettable taste of our shrimp.
Fresh Parsley: Beyond decoration. Diced parsley gives a touch to the dish. It’s like a sprinkle of green that adds a burst of freshness cutting through the richness and harmonizing all the flavors beautifully.
Optional Garnish (Parsley & Lemon Zest): The finishing touch. A bit more parsley for freshness and lemon zest, for an aroma not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also introduces layers of flavor that make every bite even more delightful.
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Steps To Make Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp:
Step 1: Marinating the Shrimp: In a kitchen combine lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Cajun seasoning and chopped parsley in a bowl and whisk them together as if you’re concocting a special blend. Add the shrimp to this enchanting marinade ensuring each one is thoroughly coated with care. Let them rest in the refrigerator covered, for an hour; stir to allow them to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the Garnish: While the shrimp marinate, mix parsley and lemon zest in a bowl. This simple addition will bring a pop of color. Taste, the dish. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to sprinkle it over the shrimp.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 450˚F. Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish without overcrowding – they need space to achieve that bake. Place them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Observe their transformation into firm morsels. Remember to keep an eye on them; we want them perfectly tender and not tough.
Step 4: Serving with Care: Once cooked garnish the shrimp with your mixture, for that touch of affection. Make sure not to waste that sauce in the pan. It’s perfect, for dipping bread into, like liquid gold.
Tip:
To enhance the taste of your Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp keep the marinade used for soaking the shrimp. Instead of throwing it away pour it into the baking dish, with the shrimp before baking. This method lets the shrimp cook in the sauce boosting the flavor of the dish and keeping the shrimp succulent. Moreover, you can use the marinade as a dipping sauce, for bread elevating your dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Sure you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before marinating.
Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand you can create a flavor mix using a blend of paprika, powder a hint of oregano, cayenne pepper and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Planning ahead? You can marinate the shrimp, up to 2 hours ahead of time. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s best to bake them before serving.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp 21-26 count, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice juice of 1 small or ½ large lemon
- ¼ cup extra light olive oil not extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnish:
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Cajun seasoning and parsley in a bowl to make the marinade. Stir the mixture well.
- Coat the shrimp thoroughly with the marinade, in a bowl. Let it sit for an hour stirring occasionally.
- Prepare a garnish by mixing parsley and lemon zest in a bowl. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 450˚F.
- Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Sprinkle the dish with the garnish before serving. Don't forget to use any leftover sauce as a dip, for bread.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
