Heart-Healthy Cajun Shrimp

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with this Heart-Healthy Cajun Shrimp recipe! Packed with bold Cajun spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne, these tender shrimp are sautéed with crisp red bell peppers and simmered in a zesty low-sodium vegetable broth. A drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley and green onions add a bright, fresh finish to every bite. Served over fluffy brown rice, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s low in sodium, high in protein, and full of wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free way to satisfy your Cajun cravings. Whether you're meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this flavorful dish delivers the perfect balance of health and taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 pieces green onions, sliced
• 2 cups brown rice, cooked

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the broth is slightly reduced and the shrimp are fully cooked.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Step 9

Serve immediately over a bed of cooked brown rice for a nutritious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1173.2 grams (1173.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1268

Total Fat 34.20g	44%
Saturated Fat 6.00g	30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 857mg	286%
Sodium 1378mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate 119.30g	43%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 7.80g
Protein 122.90g	246%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 421mg	32%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 2187mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 38.5%

Carbs: 37.4%