Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and spicy shrimp dish featuring Cajun seasoning with sweet bell peppers and onions, sautéed to perfection for a vibrant, low-carb meal. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, yellow onion, sliced into thin strips, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 sliced yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Push vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the spiced shrimp in a single layer. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir the shrimp and vegetables together, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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