The Ultimate One-Skillet Shrimp and Quinoa with Cajun Spice

Are you searching for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly fast weeknight dinner that you can make in a single pan? A complete meal packed with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables that’s on the table in about 30 minutes? This Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet is the answer you’ve been looking for.

This is your ultimate guide to creating a vibrant, Cajun-inspired meal that is as easy as it is impressive. We’ll show you how to build deep, savory flavor by blooming spices and toasting quinoa, then steam-cook juicy shrimp to perfection right on top. Finished with a bright, fresh tomato salad, this Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet is a true all-in-one wonder.

What makes this recipe so special is its incredible efficiency and the way it builds a complex, restaurant-quality flavor profile with minimal effort and cleanup. This is the perfect healthy meal to get you through a busy week.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Secrets to Big Flavor in One Pan

The genius of this Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet lies in two simple, professional techniques that build incredible flavor right in the pan.

1. Blooming the Spices: The recipe starts by cooking the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning in the hot oil with the aromatics. This technique, known as “blooming,” is a game-changer. Toasting the dried spices in the hot oil wakes up their fat-soluble compounds, making them dramatically more fragrant and flavorful. It also deepens the flavor of the tomato paste, giving it a richer, less raw taste.
2. Toasting the Quinoa: Before adding the water, we stir the rinsed quinoa into the flavorful paste. This briefly toasts the grains, enhancing their natural, nutty flavor and helping them maintain a better texture after they’re cooked. These simple steps are the secret to a deeply flavorful Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet.

The Key Ingredients for Your Healthy Skillet Meal

This recipe for a Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet uses a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

• Large Shrimp: The star protein. Using shrimp that are already peeled and deveined is a fantastic time-saver for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Quinoa: A healthy, gluten-free, and complete-protein whole grain that serves as the hearty base of the dish. Rinsing the quinoa before cooking is an important step to remove any bitterness from its natural coating.
• The “Sofrito” Base: We create a quick flavor base with Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, celery, and the white parts of the scallions. This provides a savory, aromatic foundation for the entire dish.
• The Fresh Tomato Salad: This is not just a garnish; it’s an essential component! A simple mixture of fresh cherry tomatoes, the green parts of the scallions, and bright lemon juice is added at the end. This cool, fresh topping provides a perfect acidic contrast to the warm, savory Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your One-Skillet Shrimp and Quinoa

This entire meal comes together in one large skillet. Have all your vegetables chopped and ingredients measured before you begin for a smooth, fast cooking process.

1. Prepare the Fresh Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, the sliced scallion greens, the juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything to coat and set it aside to marinate while you cook the rest of the dish.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the 2 tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, the sliced scallion whites, the thinly sliced celery, and the minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, until the paste turns a rich, brick-red color and the vegetables just begin to soften.
3. Toast and Cook the Quinoa: Add the 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to the skillet and stir for about a minute to coat it in the flavorful tomato paste mixture.
4. Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of water and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of pepper. Bring the mixture to a high simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Adjust the heat to medium-low. Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on top of the cooked quinoa. Sprinkle the shrimp with a little more salt and pepper.
6. Steam to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let the shrimp cook for about 5 minutes. The steam trapped in the pan will cook them perfectly until they are firm, pink, and opaque.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter the fresh cherry tomato salad over the top of your finished Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet. Serve immediately.

Print

Storage and Meal Prep

This Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet is a fantastic option for meal prep.

• To Store: Let the cooked dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the fresh tomato salad topping in a separate container.
• To Reheat: You can enjoy the leftovers cold, like a salad, or reheat a portion in the microwave until warm. Top with the fresh tomato mixture after reheating.

For more recipe follow my Pinterest account

Conclusion: Your New Weeknight Favorite

This Shrimp and Quinoa Skillet is the perfect proof that a healthy, homemade dinner can be incredibly fast, easy, and packed with exciting flavor. It’s a complete, balanced meal made in a single pan, which means you get to spend more time enjoying your dinner and less time washing dishes. This delicious and efficient recipe is sure to become a new star in your weeknight rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)