Microwave Cajun Shrimp Delight
This Microwave Cajun Shrimp Delight is a flavorful and zesty one-dish meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the bayou right into your kitchen. Utilizing the convenience of canned tomatoes and frozen shrimp, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests. With the aromatic blend of sautéed vegetables, savory shrimp, and a rich tomato base, you can enjoy a taste of Louisiana in just minutes. Serve it over fluffy rice for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
4-6
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
celery
1 cup (thinly sliced)
green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
thyme
3/4 teaspoon (dried)
medium frozen shrimp
1/2 lb (thawed, peeled, and halved lengthwise)
cajun-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (none)
tomato paste
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a 1-1/2 quart microwavable dish, combine the olive oil, chopped onion, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, crushed garlic, and thyme.
2
Cover the dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3
Stir in the thawed shrimp, cajun-style stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4
Cover the dish again and microwave on high for an additional 6 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5
Serve hot over rice, if desired, and enjoy your flavorful Cajun-inspired meal.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
8g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microwave Cajun Shrimp Delight?
It is a flavorful and zesty one-dish meal that combines frozen shrimp, canned tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables to bring the tastes of the Louisiana bayou to your kitchen using a microwave.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
How many calories are in a serving of Cajun Shrimp Delight?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it utilizes affordable ingredients like canned stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and frozen shrimp to keep costs down.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include olive oil, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, thyme, frozen shrimp, Cajun-style stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste.
How long do the vegetables need to cook initially?
The onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, and thyme should be microwaved on high for 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of medium frozen shrimp that have been thawed, peeled, and halved lengthwise.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen (thawed) shrimp, fresh shrimp can be used as long as they are peeled and prepared similarly.
Why should the shrimp be halved lengthwise?
Halving the shrimp lengthwise helps them cook more evenly and quickly in the microwave and stretches the protein across more servings.
What is the total microwave cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 9 minutes: 3 minutes for the vegetables and 6 minutes for the shrimp and tomato mixture.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
You should use one 14.5-ounce can of Cajun-style stewed tomatoes for the authentic spicy flavor.
Is there a specific way to prepare the celery?
The celery should be thinly sliced before being added to the dish.
Do I need to cover the dish while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the dish during both the initial vegetable cooking phase and the final shrimp cooking phase.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and become opaque throughout.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the savory Cajun sauce.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 5 grams of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this meal?
There are about 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The dish has a zesty Cajun flavor profile due to the Cajun-style stewed tomatoes, but the heat level is generally moderate.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh thyme?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Can this be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, the entire main component of the meal is cooked in a single 1-1/2 quart microwavable dish.
How much tomato paste is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
One clove of garlic should be crushed before being added to the vegetable mix.
Is this dish suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, as it is a 'quick meal' that cooks in under 10 minutes in the microwave.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 0.83 grams of fiber per serving from the various vegetables.
Should I stir the dish during the second microwave cycle?
Yes, you should stir the mixture halfway through the 6-minute cooking period to ensure even heat distribution.
What size microwave dish should I use?
A 1-1/2 quart microwavable dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much onion and green pepper are needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped green pepper.
Is this an authentic Louisiana-style dish?
It is inspired by Louisiana cuisine, utilizing 'the holy trinity' of Cajun cooking (onion, celery, green pepper) and Cajun spices.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, you can chop the onion, celery, and green pepper ahead of time to make the assembly even faster.