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- Shrimp: Use large shrimp, about 1 pound. They should be peeled and deveined. Larger shrimp hold up well to baking and absorb flavors nicely. - Vegetables: I recommend red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness. Zucchini adds a nice crunch. If you want to switch things up, try using asparagus or broccoli. These veggies taste great with Cajun spice too. - Seasonings and Oils: Quality matters here. I use extra virgin olive oil for flavor. Cajun seasoning is key; it brings the heat and depth. Garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the dish. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. To start, you need to clean the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water. Make sure to remove the shells and the black vein. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. Next, cut the vegetables. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips. Aim for even sizes to cook well. Cut the zucchini into half-moons. Chop the red onion into wedges. This mix creates a colorful, tasty dish. Now it’s time to mix the shrimp and veggies. In a big bowl, add the cleaned shrimp and cut veggies. Pour in the olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick. Sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently. Make sure each piece gets coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This saves you time on cleanup. Spread the shrimp and veggie mix evenly on the pan. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the shrimp turn pink. The veggies should be tender but still crisp. This makes for a perfect bite! To get the best Cajun flavor, choose a good Cajun seasoning. Look for one with bold spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne. You can also make your own mix. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This way, you control the taste. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne. For less spice, use less seasoning or find a milder mix. Taste the seasoning first to know what you like. Cooking time varies based on shrimp size. Large shrimp cook in about 15 to 20 minutes. If you use smaller shrimp, check them after 12 minutes. They cook faster and can turn rubbery if overcooked. For veggies, cut them into even sizes. Red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and onion cook well together. Bake them for the same time as the shrimp. This way, they stay crisp and tender. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds color and flavor. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the shrimp and veggies to brighten the taste. Pair with fluffy rice or quinoa for a full meal. You can also serve with a light sauce, like a garlic aioli or a spicy remoulade. This adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish shine. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well due to their juiciness. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. Tofu is a great choice for a vegan dish. Choose firm tofu, press it to remove moisture, and cut it into cubes. For seafood lovers, you might try scallops or fish fillets. Both cook fast and soak up flavors well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Feel free to mix up your veggies based on the season. In summer, use fresh corn or cherry tomatoes. In fall, consider sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts. These changes keep your dish lively and colorful. If you want a low-carb meal, swap starchy vegetables with leafy greens. Spinach, kale, or asparagus are tasty options. They cook quickly and add a nice crunch. Want to change up the taste? Try Asian-inspired flavors. Use soy sauce, ginger, or sesame oil instead of Cajun spices. This twist gives a unique flair to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, add more vegetables and skip the shrimp. You could toss in chickpeas or lentils for protein. These options keep the dish hearty and filling without meat. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish first. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain freshness. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the shrimp and veggies moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can. It may make shrimp rubbery and veggies soggy. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for best taste and texture. Freezing might change the shrimp’s texture slightly, but it will still taste good. Making this dish is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking in the oven takes 15 to 20 minutes. So, in total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps them juicy. Fresh shrimp taste great, but frozen works well too. They are often just as good if cooked right. If you need a substitute for Cajun seasoning, you can make your own blend. Mix these spices for a tasty option: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne (for heat) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon black pepper You can also try other spice mixes like Creole seasoning or even taco seasoning. These will give your dish a nice kick. Feel free to adjust the heat to your taste! This article covered everything you need for a tasty Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Veggies dish. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips to get the most flavor. I shared useful tricks for perfecting the Cajun spice and variations to fit your taste. Remember to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy making this flavorful meal!

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Veggies

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Sizzling Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Veggies recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that combines juicy shrimp and colorful veggies seasoned to perfection with Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and clean up. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your next dinner with this vibrant and tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons

1 small red onion, sliced into wedges

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To facilitate cleanup, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini half-moons, and red onion wedges.

      Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is nicely coated.

        Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

          Toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

            Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and are fully cooked, and the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

                Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Just before serving, garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your vibrant Cajun shrimp and veggies on a large platter, topped with additional parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for an appealing pop of color. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of fluffy rice or nutrient-rich quinoa.