Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a delightful twist on the classic deviled egg recipe. Infused with bold Cajun spices and topped with succulent shrimp, these eggs are perfect for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. This recipe combines the creamy richness of traditional deviled eggs with the vibrant, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
**For the Deviled Eggs:**
– 12 large eggs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Shrimp:**
– 1/2 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
**For Garnish:**
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
1. Place the eggs in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let it sit for 12 minutes.
3. After 12 minutes, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely. This makes peeling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
4. Peel the cooled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
5. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
6. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the mashed yolks. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
7. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
8. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Deviled Eggs
9. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off for a cleaner presentation.
10. Top each deviled egg with a shrimp.
11. Sprinkle with extra Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chopped parsley for garnish.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
– **Hard-Boiling the Eggs**: For perfectly cooked eggs, make sure to transfer them to ice water immediately after boiling. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
– **Seasoning**: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, add a bit more to the yolk mixture.
– **Shrimp Size**: Use small shrimp so they fit nicely on top of the deviled eggs. If you only have larger shrimp, you can cut them into smaller pieces.
– **Piping the Filling**: For a more polished look, use a piping bag with a decorative tip to fill the eggs.
Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a fantastic way to add some zest to your appetizer repertoire. The combination of creamy, spicy yolk filling and tender shrimp creates an irresistible bite. Perfect for parties, picnics, or any special occasion, these deviled eggs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors and the compliments from your guests!
