If you love bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals, this Blackened Shrimp Recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorites. Packed with a stunning mix of smoky, spicy, and herbaceous seasonings, the shrimp come out juicy and tender every single time, seared to perfection with a flavorful crust that’s bursting with personality. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a last-minute gathering, this dish brings a vibrant, restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen. Get ready to elevate your shrimp game with this easy yet unforgettable Blackened Shrimp Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you – the ingredients for this Blackened Shrimp Recipe are simple but incredibly important. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, transforming ordinary shrimp into something truly irresistible.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a deep, smoky richness that forms the backbone of the blackening seasoning.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the shrimp are perfectly seasoned.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of umami.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a savory punch that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Ground black pepper: Gives a sharp, fragrant heat to balance the spices.
- Dried thyme: Lends a gentle earthiness that brightens the flavor profile.
- Dried oregano: Offers a slightly bitter, aromatic note that rounds out the blend.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds heat and a fiery kick that’s signature to blackened dishes.
- Shrimp, shelled and deveined: The star of the dish, ready to soak in all that delicious seasoning.
- Melted butter: Provides richness and helps the spice blend stick to the shrimp.
- Olive oil: Keeps the shrimp moist during cooking and gives a lovely sear.
- Optional fresh herbs and lime wedges: Perfect finishing touches to brighten and refresh the dish.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Blackening Seasoning
Start by combining all your dry spices – smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper – in a bowl. Stir them together until the mixture is well blended. This spice mix is the heart of the Blackened Shrimp Recipe, delivering that signature smoky-spicy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels; getting rid of moisture helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better sear later. Toss the shrimp in melted butter first, which adds incredible flavor and helps the seasoning adhere. Then, coat each shrimp evenly with the blackening spice blend. Make sure every piece gets a nice, thick cover of those vibrant spices.
Step 3: Preheat Your Pan
Heat a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. A hot pan is essential for achieving that perfect blackened crust without overcooking the shrimp. This step makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
Step 4: Cook the First Batch of Shrimp
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan. Once it shimmers, place half of your seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook without moving for about one and a half minutes to develop that beautiful sear. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 30 seconds to one minute until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
Step 5: Cook the Remaining Shrimp
Add the second tablespoon of olive oil, then cook the remaining shrimp just like the first batch: 1 1/2 minutes on the first side, flip, then another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Making sure not to overcrowd the pan ensures that the shrimp get nicely blackened, not steamed.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once all the shrimp are perfectly blackened and juicy, remove them from the heat. Serve them hot, perhaps over your favorite pasta or rice, or even on a fresh salad. The Blackened Shrimp Recipe shines brightest when enjoyed right away, while the spices are bold and the texture is tender.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or chives make a fantastic garnish for blackened shrimp, adding just the right touch of green and freshness. A squeeze of lime wedges over the top brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness and spices, balancing the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
To turn this simple Blackened Shrimp Recipe into a complete meal, consider serving it alongside creamy coleslaw, garlic butter rice, or grilled vegetables. Each side complements the bold flavors with either a cool contrast or a smoky companion, making dinner both vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the blackened shrimp in tacos with crunchy slaw and avocado, or toss them into a hearty pasta with tomatoes and fresh basil. You can also add them as a topping for buttery grits or stack them on top of a crisp salad for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days. Make sure they’re cooled before sealing to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While blackened shrimp tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp by placing them in a freezer-safe bag with minimal air. For best results, freeze within a couple of hours of cooking, and use them within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftover blackened shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid high heat or microwaving too long, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Reheating carefully helps keep the shrimp juicy and preserves that lovely blackened crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work just fine, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. This ensures even coating and proper cooking for that perfect blackened texture.
How spicy is this Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds a moderate level of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice by using less or more according to your taste. It’s meant to be flavorful without overwhelming the shrimp.
Can I make the seasoning blend ahead of time?
Absolutely! The spice mix keeps well in an airtight container for weeks, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready to go for a quick meal anytime.
What is the best pan to use for blackening shrimp?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it holds heat evenly and helps achieve that classic blackened crust. If you don’t have one, a heavy-duty nonstick or stainless steel pan will work as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Blackened Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice if you’re avoiding gluten but still want a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about cooking a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and simply unforgettable. This Blackened Shrimp Recipe hits every mark, delivering tender, smoky shrimp that practically beg to be devoured. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, it’s a dish you’ll want to turn to time and again. Go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Blackened Shrimp recipe delivers a bold and spicy Cajun-inspired flavor using a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, cayenne, and herbs. Perfectly seared in a skillet with butter and olive oil, the shrimp are cooked quickly for a tender, juicy finish. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful, easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with the melted butter until coated. Then toss with the spice mix to evenly cover each shrimp.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook First Batch: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add half of the shrimp in a single layer, avoiding crowding. Cook for 1 ½ minutes, then flip each shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Cook Second Batch: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the remaining shrimp in a single layer and cook as before—1 ½ minutes on one side, flip, then 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side until fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the pan immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs and lime wedges. Great over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly dried before coating with butter and spices to achieve a good blackened crust.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- This dish cooks quickly so watch closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp which can make them tough.
- You can double the spice mix and store extra for another use.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
