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Keto Cajun Shrimp Recipe (Quick & Easy) 🍤

Feyza Kırmacı
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Get ready for a tasty Cajun Shrimp Recipe, great for those on a low-carb diet. This simple recipe gives you a taste of the coast. With ingredients like shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and Cajun spice, you'll have a healthy meal to savor. So, let's make some amazing cajun shrimp together!

Homemade keto Cajun shrimp served on a plate alongside a dip in a small bowl.
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Preparation and cooking overview

This keto shrimp recipe is a breeze to prepare and only takes 20 minutes. Marinate the peeled shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Then, sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet. And that's it! In only 30 minutes, you'll have a fancy and nutritious dish ready to enjoy.

Chef's note

This recipe calls for peeled and deveined shrimp. Whether you leave the tails on or off is up to you. Keeping the tails on can act as a handy grip, but removing them makes it easier to eat. Go with whichever option works best for you!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Seafood recipe.

🍤 Ingredients for keto Cajun shrimp recipe

You'll need the following ingredients to make keto Cajun garlic shrimp at home:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
White plate featuring keto Cajun shrimp, a dip bowl, and a fork.

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredient list you would rather skip? Here are some substitutions that work well:

  • Olive oil: Swap olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.
  • Cajun seasoning: If you don't have Cajun seasoning on hand, create your own blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and a touch of salt.
  • Cayenne pepper: If cayenne is too spicy for your taste, use mild chili powder or ground red pepper flakes.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor of the Cajun shrimp recipe with these optional ingredients:

  • Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sautéed shrimp for a burst of flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet when cooking the shrimp.
  • Toasted almonds: Toast some slivered almonds and sprinkle them on top of the dish for an added crunch.
  • Herbs: Add aromatic spices like dried rosemary, oregano, or mint leaves for a depth of flavor.
Keto Cajun shrimp on a white plate accompanied by a small bowl of dip.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Cajun Shrimp recipe, you'll need the following cooking tools:

  • Measuring spoons
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs or spatula

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular or grill pan to cook the shrimp.
  • Whisk: Instead of a whisk, use a fork to mix the marinade.
Ready-to-enjoy homemade Cajun shrimp on a white plate with a fork beside a bowl of dip.

How to make Keto Cajun Shrimp: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Wash the fresh parsley and chop it finely.
  3. Peel and devein the shrimp if they're not cleaned.
  4. Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.

Cooking steps

  1. Mix the olive oil, chopped garlic, Cajun spice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl to make the marinade.
  2. Put the cleaned shrimp in the bowl. Make sure all the shrimp are covered with the marinade. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes so they soak up the flavors.
  3. Turn on your stove and heat up a large pan on medium-high.
  4. When the pan is hot, lay the shrimp in one layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They're done when they turn pink.
  5. Take the shrimp out of the pan and put them on a plate. Add some chopped parsley and lemon slices on top, and they're ready to eat!

Chef's pro tip

Always ensure your pan is hot before putting in the marinated shrimp. A super-hot pan quickly gives the shrimp a golden crust, sealing in all those tasty juices. Plus, a quick sear helps keep the shrimp tender on the inside.

What to serve with this keto cajun shrimp?

Pair the low-carb Cajun shrimp with your choice of keto-friendly sides, like:

  • Zucchini Noodles: Adding crispy shrimp to zucchini noodles makes a delicious shrimp scampi.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Serve the Cajun shrimp over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice to complement the bold flavors of your dish.
  • Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus offers a smoky flavor and satisfying crunch, which makes it a perfect side to the shrimp.
  • Kale Salad: This keto-friendly kale salad pairs wonderfully with the shrimp, making a flavorful meal.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty taste and crunchy texture make them a great companion to this keto meal.
  • Creamed Spinach with Garlic: This easy, healthy side dish goes well with this delicious shrimp dish.
Keto Cajun shrimp on a white plate with a small bowl of dip and a fork.

How to make it healthier?

  • Reduce salt: Use reduced sodium or homemade Cajun seasoning to control the salt content.
  • Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with colorful bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes sautéed alongside the shrimp for added fiber.
  • Include more greens: Serve the shrimp on a mixed greens or spinach bed. This enhances presentation and adds nutrients to the meal.

Time-saving tips

  • Opt for store-bought pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to cut down on prep work.
  • Grab a ready-made Cajun seasoning mix if you're short on time instead of making your own blend.
Low-carb Cajun shrimp served on a white plate with a side dip bowl and a fork.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinate shrimp: Marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead or overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Store any remaining Cajun shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to two days.

Best reheating practices

  • Microwave: Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, tossing gently for 2-3 minutes until hot.
Serving of homemade keto Cajun shrimp on a white plate with dip and a fork.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Our Cajun Shrimp Recipe is a tasty way to enjoy seafood on a low-carb diet. With juicy shrimp cooked in spicy Cajun seasoning and colorful toppings, it's a great meal choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it's super easy to make!

Give this recipe a shot and enjoy its fresh, coastal taste. Once you've tried it, share your thoughts in the comments! Happy cooking!

Don't forget to try these keto shrimp recipes as well!

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Shrimp Chowder
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Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Skillet
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Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Frequently asked questions

The amount of carbs in shrimp is very low. A typical serving of shrimp has only about 0 to 1 gram of carbs. Shrimp contain mostly protein and little fat, which makes them great for low-carb diets.

Yes, Cajun shrimp is usually keto-friendly. The main ingredients — shrimp, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning — are low in carbs. As long as the seasoning doesn't have added sugar or high-carb ingredients, Cajun shrimp is good for keto.

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp in advance and pat them dry before marinating and cooking.

The spice level of Cajun seasoning can vary, but it generally brings a moderate heat level. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your liking.

Absolutely! Serving the keto Cajun shrimp with toothpicks or cocktail forks turns it into a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for gatherings and parties.

Freezing will make the shrimp rubbery and lose their succulent taste. So we recommend you enjoy the shrimp fresh or refrigerated.

📖 Recipe

Homemade keto Cajun shrimp served with a dip in a small bowl on a white plate.

Keto Cajun Shrimp

Enjoy a taste of the coast with our quick and flavorful Keto Cajun Shrimp recipe, featuring succulent shrimp marinated in Cajun spice and garlic for a spicy, low-carb delight in just 30 minutes!
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cajun shrimp, keto cajun shrimp, keto shrimp recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 149kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges for serving optional
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix the olive oil, chopped garlic, Cajun spice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl to make the marinade.
  • Put the cleaned shrimp in the bowl. Make sure all the shrimp are covered with the marinade. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes so they soak up the flavors.
  • Turn on your stove and heat up a large pan on medium-high.
  • When the pan is hot, lay the shrimp in one layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They're done when they turn pink.
  • Take the shrimp out of the pan and put them on a plate. Add some chopped parsley and lemon slices on top, and they're ready to eat!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cajun Shrimp
Amount Per Serving
Calories 149 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Sodium 6mg0%
Potassium 177mg5%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 3552IU71%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. LA says

    What is the dipping sauce on the side?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi there,

      Thank you for asking. Our dipping sauce is a unique blend of homemade mayo and flavorful ingredients. You can easily prepare it by mixing keto-friendly mayonnaise with freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. This will give you a zesty and herby aioli that goes well with this shrimp. If you'd like to make the mayo from scratch, take a look at our homemade mayo recipe.

      Reply

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