Description
This Cajun Seafood Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the bold spices of Cajun seasoning with tender seafood, vegetables, and buttery goodness. Everything is baked together in one pan, making this meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh—this dish will impress anyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Seafood:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops (or white fish like tilapia or cod)
- 1/2 lb crab legs (optional, for extra seafood variety)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, toss diced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables out evenly on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Seafood: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, scallops, and crab legs with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the seafood evenly in the seasoning.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange the seasoned seafood on top of the vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Optional Topping: If you’d like a crispy topping, sprinkle the seafood and vegetables with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like asparagus, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for a personalized twist.
- For a spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- Make it a meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
- To save time: Use pre-cooked seafood or frozen seafood that’s thawed for convenience.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, adding a bit of extra lemon juice or olive oil to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood