Easy Cajun Salt & Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb shrimp (Peeled and deveined; the source also gives an alternative of 24 shrimp.)
• 0.125 tsp Old Bay seasoning (For shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.5 tsp chicken bouillon (For shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (For shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.5 tsp onion powder (For shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.75 cup cornstarch (Used to coat the shrimp; the source lists it under shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.125 tsp MSG (For shrimp seasoning.)
• 0.25 tsp lemon pepper (For dry seasoning.)
• 2 tsp sugar (For dry seasoning.)
• 0.125 tsp Cajun seasoning (For dry seasoning.)
• 1 tsp salt (For dry seasoning.)
• 0.125 tsp black pepper (For dry seasoning.)
• 0.5 tsp MSG (For dry seasoning.)
• 0.25 cup garlic (Minced; add the desired amount according to the source.)
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil (For sautéing the garlic and vegetables.)
• vegetable oil (Additional oil for deep-frying or shallow-frying the shrimp; amount depends on the frying method.)
• 1 cup yellow onion (Cut to the desired size.)
• 4 cup jalapeño peppers (Cut to the desired size.)

Steps

1. 1

   If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp. Refrigerate the prepared shrimp while you make the seasonings and prepare the vegetables.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch, and the first measure of MSG to make the shrimp seasoning mixture.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, combine the lemon pepper, sugar, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the second measure of MSG to make the dry seasoning. Set both seasoning mixtures aside.

4. 4

   Cut the yellow onion and jalapeño peppers to your desired size. Set the prepared vegetables aside.

5. 5

   Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add the shrimp seasoning mixture and toss until every shrimp is evenly and thoroughly coated with cornstarch and seasoning.

6. 6

   Heat enough vegetable oil for deep-frying or shallow-frying in a large skillet or fryer. Fry the coated shrimp for 3–5 minutes, turning as needed, until crisp and cooked through.

7. 7

   Remove the fried shrimp from the oil, drain well, and let them rest briefly on a rack or paper towels.

8. 8

   Place a wok or large pan over high heat and add the 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Heat the oil until shimmering.

9. 9

   Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

10. 10

    Add the jalapeño peppers and cook for about 1 minute, until slightly softened while retaining some bite.

11. 11

    Add the yellow onion and cook for another 1–3 minutes, until it reaches your preferred doneness.

12. 12

    Return the fried shrimp to the wok or pan. Add the dry seasoning mixture and toss gently until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated.

13. 13

    Turn off the heat and serve immediately. Enjoy the shrimp by itself or with garlic noodles, rice, or other side dishes.

Notes

The source describes this as a 45-minute recipe and recommends serving it with garlic noodles, rice, or other side dishes. Frying oil is not quantified because the source leaves the deep-frying or shallow-frying method to the cook.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• seafood
• shrimp
• Cajun-inspired
• spicy
• fried
• stir-fried
• quick meal