If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together in a flash, this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With a perfectly seasoned crust of smoked paprika, garlic, and a spicy kick of cayenne, these shrimp deliver a smoky, zesty punch that will have you hooked from the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to brighten up your mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe every time. Each spice and seasoning plays a crucial role in creating the signature blackened flavor, while the shrimp stay juicy and tender thanks to a light coat of olive oil.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide the perfect protein base for the blackening spices to sing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and ensures the shrimp cook evenly without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers smoky depth and beautiful color to the shrimp’s crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a comforting, savory background note that complements seafood wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances overall flavor with subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A herbaceous touch that balances the spice with an earthy aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a hint of Mediterranean flair and aromatic sharpness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers the essential heat and boldness, adjustable to your heat preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and ensures the seasoning hits just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a fresh, piquant pop that brightens the spice blend.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze of fresh lemon instantly enhances and balances the smoky shrimp.
How to Make Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key because it helps the olive oil and spice blend stick perfectly to each shrimp, which results in that irresistible blackened crust after cooking.
Step 2: Coat Shrimp with Olive Oil
Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This step not only helps with the seasoning adherence but also keeps the shrimp juicy and tender once cooked.
Step 3: Mix the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This carefully balanced spice mix is the heart of your Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe — bringing smoky, spicy, and aromatic layers to every bite.
Step 4: Season the Shrimp
Sprinkle the prepared spice blend evenly over the shrimp and toss to coat all sides thoroughly. You want every shrimp to be luxuriously covered, ensuring maximum flavor when cooked.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Place shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque with a slightly charred, blackened exterior. This quick sear locks in moisture and creates that signature Cajun crust.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove your perfectly blackened shrimp from the pan, serve hot, and don’t forget the fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balances the rich spices, elevating this already spectacular dish.
How to Serve Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbal freshness that complements the bold spices beautifully. A dollop of cooling sour cream or creamy avocado sauce works wonders if you want to counterbalance the heat with something smooth.
Side Dishes
This Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe pairs gorgeously with simple sides like fluffy white rice, a zesty quinoa salad, or even buttery garlic mashed potatoes. For something lighter, serve alongside crisp greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing these zingy blackened shrimp into warm tortillas topped with crunchy slaw for irresistible tacos. You could also serve them over a bed of creamy grits or toss them into pasta with a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Their versatility makes this recipe a fun canvas for countless creative dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay flavorful and tender for up to 2 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner add-ons.
Freezing
If you want to keep your blackened shrimp for longer, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat while preserving the delicate texture, gently warm shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery. A quick reheat is all you need to bring back that mouthwatering blackened flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best crust and texture.
How spicy is this blackened shrimp recipe?
The recipe has a pleasant kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat up or down by adding more or less cayenne based on your preference.
What kind of pan should I use to cook the shrimp?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains high heat for a quick sear, but a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet works well too.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, so this dish is perfect for gluten-free diets.
What else can I do with blackened shrimp?
They’re fantastic in salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, or tossed with pasta. Their smoky, spicy flavor is versatile and adds excitement to many dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe is a true game changer when you want to whip up something flavorful without a fuss. The lively spices paired with juicy shrimp deliver a dish that tastes like it took hours but comes together in mere minutes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to for quick dinners or entertaining. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a bold blend of Cajun spices and seared to perfection on the stovetop. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the spicy, smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they sear properly.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated, which helps the spices stick and aids in browning.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening seasoning blend.
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled shrimp and toss well until all shrimp are fully coated with the seasoning mix.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot to get a good sear on the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slightly charred, blackened crust.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the heat and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for brightness.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference for less or more spice.
- These blackened shrimp work wonderfully in tacos, tossed in salads, served over grain bowls, or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Using a cast-iron skillet enhances the blackening effect due to better heat retention.
- Serve hot immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
