Baked Cajun Shrimp in Tin Foil Tray 🍤🔥 (Juicy, Spicy & Easy Cleanup!)

Introduction

If you want bold flavor with almost no cleanup, Baked Cajun Shrimp in a Tin Foil Tray is the perfect solution. Juicy shrimp coated in smoky Cajun spices bake quickly in foil, locking in moisture while creating a rich, buttery sauce.

Cajun seasoning comes from the culinary traditions of Louisiana, known for its bold spices and Southern comfort food roots. This recipe keeps those deep flavors but makes it quick, simple, and oven-friendly.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving over rice.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1½ lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
¼ tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Timing

Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: ~15–20 minutes

Shrimp cook fast—don’t overbake!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place shrimp in a foil tray or create a foil packet on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Season

In a bowl, toss shrimp with:

Olive oil or butter
Cajun seasoning
Garlic
Lemon juice
Paprika and pepper

Spread evenly in foil tray.

Seal loosely if using foil packet (to trap steam).

Step 3: Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

✨ Internal temp should reach about 120–125°F (49–52°C).
They’ll continue cooking slightly after removing.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and squeeze extra lemon juice over top.

Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: ~220
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 10g

High-protein, low-carb, and very macro-friendly.

Serving Ideas

Over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
Tossed with pasta
In shrimp tacos
On top of a fresh salad
With roasted vegetables

Flavor Variations

Add sliced bell peppers & onions
Stir in a splash of heavy cream after baking for creamy Cajun shrimp
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat
Sprinkle Parmesan before serving
Drizzle with honey for sweet-spicy balance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking (shrimp turn rubbery fast)
Using frozen shrimp without fully thawing
Skipping lemon (brightens flavor)
Crowding too tightly in packet

Storage Tips

Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat gently (avoid overcooking)
Best fresh; freezing may change texture