Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic deviled eggs, perfect for a party appetizer or a fun, elevated snack. With the rich creaminess of the filling, the savory shrimp, and a bit of Cajun heat, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
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For the Deviled Eggs:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 8-10 medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Eggs:
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, cover the pan, remove from heat, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
- After the eggs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool down. Once cool, peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Prepare the Cajun Shrimp:
- While the eggs are cooling, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to cool. Once cooled, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Deviled Egg Filling:
- Once the eggs are peeled and sliced in half, carefully remove the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Mash the yolks with a fork and add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the chopped Cajun shrimp and mix gently to combine.
4. Assemble the Deviled Eggs:
- Spoon the shrimp-filled yolk mixture back into the egg white halves, or use a piping bag for a more polished look.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika, and top with a small shrimp piece for extra flair.
5. Serve:
- Arrange the deviled eggs on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: These deviled eggs can be prepared ahead of time. Just store the egg whites and filling separately in the fridge, and assemble them just before serving.
- Adjust Spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely.
- Shrimp Alternatives: You can substitute the shrimp with crab meat or even smoked salmon for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- These Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are perfect for any occasion, from barbecues and picnics to holiday gatherings and brunches.
- They pair wonderfully with chilled cocktails like a Bloody Mary or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
These spicy, creamy, and satisfying deviled eggs will definitely stand out on your appetizer table! Enjoy!