Cajun Boiled Shrimp | Cajun 911 Cuisine
This Louisiana-style boiled shrimp is bright, bold, and unmistakably Cajun. Extra lemon, celery seed, and classic crab boil create layered flavor that soaks straight into the shrimp. Perfect for seafood platters, shrimp cocktails, salads, or snacking straight from the pot, this is a Bayou staple done right.
INGREDIENTS
Boil Pot
2 lbs large shrimp, shell-on or easy-peel
2–3 lemons, halved, juice squeezed and rinds added
1 Tbsp celery seed
2–3 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
2–3 Tbsp liquid crab boil or 1–2 Tbsp dry crab boil
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 onion, halved, optional
3–4 bay leaves
1 Tbsp salt
Water, enough to cover shrimp
Finish
Fresh lemon wedges
Optional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Boil
Add water, lemon juice and rinds, celery seed, Cajun seasoning, crab boil, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt, and optional onion to a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
2. Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook 1–2 minutes for small shrimp or 2–3 minutes for large shrimp, until pink and curled into a “C.”
3. Turn Off Heat and Soak
Turn off the heat and allow the shrimp to soak for 5–10 minutes, depending on desired flavor and spice intensity.
4. Serve
Drain the shrimp and finish with fresh lemon wedges and an optional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
SERVING IDEAS
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Serve as a classic boiled shrimp platter
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Chill for shrimp cocktail or seafood boards
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Add to salads or pasta dishes
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Serve with crackers, cocktail sauce, or remoulade
NOTES
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Longer soak time means stronger crab boil flavor
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Squeeze fresh lemon over drained shrimp for extra brightness
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Excellent for shrimp cocktails, salads, and Cajun seafood spreads
RECIPE PAIRINGS AND HELPFUL LINKS
