If you're craving something quick, creamy, and a little bit spicy, this 3 ingredient Cajun shrimp is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but takes barely ten minutes. It's low in carbs, packed with protein, and easy to tweak for a fully carnivore shrimp recipe. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and almost no cleanup!
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You know that feeling when you want something spicy, creamy, and satisfying, but the thought of chopping vegetables or hunting down ten different seasonings makes you sigh? This 3 ingredient Cajun shrimp recipe is your weeknight hero. It's simple, bold, and takes literally ten minutes from start to finish.
And here's the kicker: it's naturally low carb, high protein, and can easily be adjusted into a carnivore shrimp recipe with just a tiny tweak. So whether you're all in on the carnivore diet or just craving a clean, whole-food meal with a little kick, this one hits the mark.
Cajun Shrimp Recipe
The first time I made this dish, it wasn't exactly planned. I had a half-bag of shrimp in the freezer, a small carton of heavy cream that was about to expire, and a jar of Cajun seasoning hiding behind the salt. Ten minutes later, I was sitting at my kitchen counter with what tasted like something from a New Orleans bistro: spicy, rich, and surprisingly elegant.
That's when it clicked. You don't need a dozen ingredients or fancy cooking techniques to make something incredible. You just need balance: heat, creaminess, and a protein that loves to soak up flavor. Shrimp does exactly that.
Why You'll Love It
There are a few reasons this Cajun shrimp recipe has become a repeat offender in my kitchen:
- Only 3 ingredients. You can memorize it in seconds.
- Ready in 10 minutes. Ideal for when you're hungry now, not 45 minutes from now.
- Versatile. Serve it as a snack, toss it into eggs, pile it over a steak, or spoon it over cauliflower mash.
- Low carb and carnivore adaptable. Whether you're counting carbs or keeping things strictly animal-based, this fits beautifully.
And honestly, that last point is huge. Many recipes labeled "low carb" still sneak in extra carbs through sauces or thickeners. Here, the simplicity keeps it clean, and the flavor doesn't miss a beat.
Ingredients
You'll need just four simple things (and maybe a pinch of salt if your Cajun mix isn't already seasoned):
- 12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (defrosted if frozen)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon water
That's it. No garlic, no onion, no lemon wedges on the side. Just shrimp, spice, and creamy heat.
Carnivore Adjustments
If you're eating strict carnivore, you already know the goal: no plants, no seasonings with fillers, no hidden sugars. The good news? This recipe is ridiculously easy to adapt.
Here's how:
- Swap your Cajun seasoning. Most store-bought versions contain paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes even rice flour or sugar. Make a simple carnivore version instead using just sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked salt (optional for that Cajun vibe).
- Skip the water. You won't need it since pure salt blends don't need blooming. Just whisk the cream and seasoning directly in the pan.
- Add butter or tallow. A small spoon of butter can help the sauce thicken and boost the fat content, perfect for carnivore macros.
What you'll end up with is a rich, buttery shrimp dish that still has that savory depth you expect from Cajun seasoning, just stripped down to its primal essence.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cajun Shrimp
Here's the part I love. It's so easy you could almost do it blindfolded. But don't. The shrimp cooks fast, and you'll want to keep an eye on that beautiful sauce.
- Mix the seasoning: In a medium saucepan, combine the Cajun seasoning with 1 tablespoon of water to form a quick paste. This helps bloom the spices and gives the sauce a deeper flavor later on.
- Create the sauce: Add the heavy cream and cook gently over medium-low heat, whisking slowly. You'll see the sauce start to thicken as it heats. Be patient; it should coat the back of a spoon by the time it's ready. If it looks too thin, keep stirring for another minute or two until it thickens up.
- Cook the shrimp: Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, toss in the shrimp. Let them cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcook them. They'll toughen up faster than you think.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately while everything is hot and glossy. If you're not on a carnivore diet, this pairs beautifully with a handful of baby greens, or even over zucchini noodles for a light dinner.
A Few Cooking Tips
- Don't rush the cream. The magic is in the slow thickening. Cream that's heated too fast will split instead of turning smooth and velvety.
- Taste your seasoning. Cajun blends vary wildly in saltiness. Start with 2 teaspoons, then adjust.
- Fresh vs frozen shrimp. If you can get wild-caught shrimp, go for it. But thawed frozen shrimp works just fine; just pat them dry before cooking.
One thing to remember: shrimp cooks fast. If you walk away for even a minute too long, they'll go from tender to rubbery. So stick close. Stir gently. The reward is worth it.
How to Use Leftovers (If There Are Any)
I'll be honest. Leftovers don't happen often with this recipe. But if you do have some, they're incredibly versatile.
- Toss them into scrambled eggs for a spicy breakfast.
- Layer them over a crisp salad for lunch.
- Use them as a pizza topping. Yes, really. A few shrimp over a mozzarella base with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, and you'll never go back to pepperoni.
And for the carnivore version, you can simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet with butter and maybe a touch more cream. It reheats beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. Microwaving can make the shrimp rubbery, so if you can, use the stovetop instead.
Why Cajun Seasoning Works So Well with Shrimp
Cajun seasoning is one of those magic blends that can make almost anything taste restaurant-worthy. It's smoky, a little spicy, and full of flavor from paprika, cayenne, and herbs. Shrimp's mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with that heat. It's like they were made for each other.
And if you think about it, this combo makes sense historically too. Shrimp is a southern staple, and Cajun cuisine is built around bold flavors that bring life to simple ingredients. That same principle works here: minimal effort, maximum taste.
Make It Your Own
Once you've mastered the base recipe, it's fun to play around:
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parsley if you're not strict carnivore.
- Stir in a bit of Parmesan for extra creaminess.
- For a smoky twist, use blackened seasoning instead of Cajun.
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. It's like a blank canvas: creamy, spicy, and satisfying, ready to fit your own eating style.
Final Thoughts
It's funny how the simplest recipes often end up being the most reliable. You could spend an hour making shrimp étouffée with twenty ingredients, or you could make this 3 ingredient Cajun shrimp in ten minutes flat and still get that same comforting flavor hit.
Whether you're keto, carnivore, or just someone who appreciates an easy, no-fuss dinner, this dish delivers. And you know what? It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself returning to, not because it's fancy, but because it's real.
Three ingredients. Ten minutes. Pure flavour. That's cooking the way it should be.
📖 Recipe
Carnivore Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 12 oz Shrimp
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 2-3 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix the Cajun seasoning and water together to make a paste.
- Pour in the heavy cream and cook gently over medium-low heat, until the paste is well mixed in and the sauce is creamy and thick. Take your time with this step to ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the sauce and let them cook through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
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Nutrition Facts
Nutritional information for the recipe is calculated based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe we provide. Erythritol and other sugar-free sweetener carbs are not included in the carb counts. Net carbohydrates are the total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber.
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