Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp
Prepare Cajun shrimp in the Instant Pot using the pressure cooking method, achieving delicious results in mere minutes! This dish is a breeze to whip up, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for hectic mid-week dinners and convenient meal prep.
My Instant Pot shrimp and broccoli recipe received overwhelming love from all of you, quickly becoming the top favorite on this platform! This inspired me to develop more delectable shrimp recipes tailored for your Instant Pots. Hence, I present to you my perfected Instant Pot Cajun shrimp recipe, meticulously tested over the past two weeks, and I’m absolutely enamored with this final rendition. I sincerely hope that you’ll find it equally delightful.
The secret to the irresistibly delicious flavor of this dish lies in the choice of spices. Whether you opt for Cajun or jerk seasoning, or any other blend available in your pantry, the result is equally phenomenal. Personally, I found it challenging to pick a favorite, as both variations turned out exceptionally well!
The shrimp is simmered in a flavorful, spice-infused broth, accompanied by bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Enjoy it atop a bed of rice, quinoa, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
How To Make Cajun Shrimp In The Instant Pot
Ingredients Needed:
- Shrimp: Whether fresh or frozen, it’s essential to thaw frozen shrimp before using them.
- Bell Peppers: Opt for red and yellow bell peppers for their sweeter flavor profile, while green bell peppers tend to be slightly bitter.
- Cajun Seasoning, Jerk Seasoning, or Your Preferred Seasoning: For a family-friendly option, consider milder seasonings such as smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Red Pepper or Chili Flakes (Optional)
- Oil, Onion, Garlic, Salt, and Pepper
- Vegetable Stock: If you prefer homemade, here’s a recipe you can use in your Instant Pot.
Instructions
- If opting for frozen shrimp, I advise thawing it beforehand. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers.
- Start by selecting the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat for a minute. Then, add oil to the pot and sauté the onion until it turns soft and translucent. Once the onion is ready, add the garlic and cook until its fragrance fills the air. Turn off the sauté setting and deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of water.
- Secure the lid and ensure the vent is set to SEALING. Then, select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and adjust the cooking time to 0 minutes at LOW pressure. The Instant Pot will build pressure and automatically stop cooking. Once the cooking program completes, promptly release the steam.
- Gently lift the lid and serve the dish warm over a bed of rice.
You’ll find that there’s plenty of sauce, as the shrimp release a significant amount of liquid. You can either serve it along with the rice or choose to discard it.
If desired, you can thicken the sauce to your preference. Begin by removing the shrimp and bell peppers, setting them aside. Then, select the SAUTE function and add a cornstarch slurry, which consists of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Allow the sauce to simmer while whisking continuously until it thickens. Once thickened to your liking, turn off the SAUTE setting.
Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp Tips
- When pressure cooking, it’s crucial to opt for LOW pressure instead of high pressure to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. To select LOW pressure, simply press the “pressure cook” button multiple times until the low-pressure setting is displayed.
- If using frozen shrimp, note that the pressure cooker will require additional time to come to pressure as the shrimp defrosts. Consequently, the bell peppers may be subjected to longer cooking, potentially resulting in mushiness. Therefore, it’s advisable to use fresh shrimp or thaw them before cooking.
- For those preparing meals for children, consider utilizing a different seasoning blend, as Cajun seasoning can be too spicy for their palates. Instead, opt for milder options such as smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
If you’re a fan of Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and shrimp, be sure to explore my Easy Instant Pot chicken fajitas it’s absolutely delicious! Additionally, if you’re seeking more Instant Pot shrimp recipes, don’t miss out on Instant Pot Jambalaya, Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli, and Instant Pot Hibachi Shrimp and Instant Pot chicken wings.
Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp :Frequently Asked Questions
Cajun shrimp typically lasts for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw them before cooking and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Cajun seasoning typically has a bit of heat to it due to the presence of spices like cayenne pepper. However, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use less seasoning or opt for a Cajun seasoning blend labeled as “mild.”
Certainly! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions or substitutes.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about the Instant Pot Cajun Pepper Shrimp recipe, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you create delicious meals in your kitchen!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Instant Pot Cajun Pepper Shrimp recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover. With its vibrant colors and spicy flavors, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to savor every bite of this delectable dish!
Instant Pot Cajun Pepper Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil avocado, sunflower, or corn oil
- 2 small yellow onions diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds 450 grams raw shrimp
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 6 small bell peppers diced (yellow, green, and red)
- 0.5 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Start by pressing the SAUTE function on the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up for a minute. Add oil to the pot, then sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant. Turn off the sauté setting and deglaze the pot with a small amount of water.
- Next, add the diced bell peppers to the pot, followed by the raw shrimp, Cajun seasoning, optional chili flakes, stock, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Secure the lid onto the Instant Pot and set the vent to SEALING. Choose the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting and set the cooking time to 0 minutes at LOW pressure. The Instant Pot will come to pressure and then stop cooking. Once the cooking program is complete, perform a quick release of the steam.
- Carefully remove the lid and serve the Cajun Instant Pot shrimp warm over rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- It’s crucial to select LOW pressure instead of high pressure when pressure cooking to prevent overcooking the shrimp. To do this, press the “pressure cook” button multiple times until the low-pressure setting is activated.
- If you opt for frozen shrimp, keep in mind that it will take the pressure cooker longer to reach pressure as the shrimp defrost. This extended cooking time may result in mushy peppers. It’s highly recommended to use fresh shrimp or thaw them before cooking to maintain the pepper’s texture.
- For those cooking for children, consider using a milder seasoning, as Cajun seasoning can be too spicy for them. Substitute with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper for a kid-friendly alternative.
Nutrition
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