Description
Cajun Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato brings zesty Southern charm to comfort food, combining spicy Gulf Coast seafood with creamy potato perfection. Hearty flavors and bold Cajun spices invite you to savor a delicious culinary journey through Louisiana’s rich gastronomic traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Potato Base:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Additions:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash potatoes thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris, and puncture several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place potatoes directly on oven rack at 400°F and roast for approximately 55 minutes until soft when pierced with a knife.
- While potatoes are cooking, generously coat raw shrimp with Cajun spice blend, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sauté shrimp until they turn opaque and develop a slightly golden exterior, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove potatoes from oven and carefully slice lengthwise, creating a long opening across the top.
- Gently separate potato flesh using a fork, creating a fluffy interior while maintaining the potato’s structural integrity.
- Layer cooked shrimp generously over the opened potato, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over hot shrimp, allowing residual heat to begin melting the dairy.
- Return potatoes to oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese becomes completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a final sprinkle of salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Serve immediately while potatoes remain hot and cheese is still gooey.
Notes
- Use medium-sized russet potatoes for the best texture and easy stuffing.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior when cooking.
- Select high-quality Cajun seasoning with balanced heat and robust flavor profile for maximum taste impact.
- Consider alternative protein options like grilled chicken or blackened tofu for dietary flexibility and variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg