Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a fun twist on a classic snack! These hard-boiled eggs are filled with a creamy mix and topped with spicy, flavorful shrimp for a tasty bite.
They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy snack at home. I love how the spicy kick keeps things exciting while the creamy egg balances it all. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are the star of this dish. If you’re short on eggs, you could use medium ones instead, but keep in mind that the filling will be a bit less generous. I usually go for farm-fresh eggs when I can—they tend to have a richer flavor.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well here. If you’re in a pinch, canned shrimp could be used as a substitute, but they won’t have the same texture. I love using medium or large shrimp for that perfect bite.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix brings the heat! If you’re looking for a milder option, try using Old Bay seasoning or just a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a homemade version, combine paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of salt!
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise gives the filling creaminess, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version. I sometimes mix half mayo and half yogurt—it gives a nice tang!
Chives/Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, finely chopped parsley works too! It provides a different flavor profile but still adds color.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Eggs?
Cooking eggs perfectly is crucial for this recipe. Here’s a simple method to get hard-boiled eggs without the green ring and a tender yolk:
- Place eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water, about one inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and remove from heat.
- Let the eggs sit, covered, for 10-12 minutes. This helps them cook gently.
- Transfer cooked eggs to an ice water bath for at least 5 minutes to halt the cooking process and make peeling easier.
This method results in perfectly cooked eggs that are easy to peel. Trust me; you’ll love the results!
Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Eggs:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking shrimp)
For the Shrimp:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you’ll need a few minutes to chill the eggs once cooked. In total, plan for about 30-40 minutes to complete these delicious Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Eggs:
Start by placing the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs sit, covered, for 10-12 minutes.
2. Cool and Peel the Eggs:
After the time is up, drain the hot water from the eggs and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath for at least 5 minutes. This cools them down and makes peeling easier. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
3. Make the Egg Yolk Mixture:
Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork and mix in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Egg Whites:
Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves. Be generous with it—after all, it’s the best part!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble Everything:
Place one cooked shrimp on top of each deviled egg half. This adds a lovely presentation and a delightful flavor!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika over the top and garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color. Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy these delightful, creamy, and spicy Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs at your next gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp, you can skip the cooking step. Just toss the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning to add flavor, and place them directly on top of the filled eggs.
How Do I Make These Eggs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the egg yolk mixture and fill the eggs a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. Add the shrimp just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the shrimp separate from the filled eggs to maintain their freshness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you like a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to your liking. You can also substitute with a mild seasoning blend for a different taste profile!