Description
This Baked Honey Cajun Shrimp recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet honey and spicy Cajun seasoning, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. Marinated for an hour to let the flavors infuse, the shrimp is then baked to tender perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Ideal for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (21-26 count, peeled & deveined)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 small or 1/2 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup extra light olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Garnish
- 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Cajun seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Add the shrimp and stir well until all are coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even marinating.
- Prepare the Garnish: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley with 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Transfer the marinated shrimp to a baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp become firm but not overcooked, to avoid rubbery texture.
- Serve: Sprinkle the shrimp with the prepared parsley and lemon zest garnish. Serve immediately. The leftover sauce in the pan is also excellent for dipping bread.
Notes
- Do not overbake the shrimp as it will become rubbery and lose its tender texture.
- Use extra light olive oil instead of extra virgin for a milder flavor that won’t overpower the marinade.
- Marinate shrimp for the full hour to allow deep infusion of flavors.
- This dish can be served as a main course or as appetizers for gatherings.
- The leftover marinade in the pan can be served as a dipping sauce for bread.
