Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet
Succulent shrimp seared in a bold Cajun spice blend with bell peppers and onions, served over fluffy rice for a flavorful weeknight meal. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1/4 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over 2 cups cooked white rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet?
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 Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet?
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 Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet 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.
What goes well with Cisco Kid Cajun Shrimp Skillet?
Cajun seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
