Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Blackened shrimp is a popular seafood dish inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisine, known for its bold, smoky flavor and slightly spicy kick. The technique of “blackening” involves coating shrimp with a flavorful blend of spices and then cooking them in a hot skillet until they develop a dark, crispy crust. The high heat caramelizes the spices, creating a mouthwatering crust while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside.

This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors but doesn’t have the time or inclination to master complicated cooking techniques. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll have a flavorful, protein-packed meal in minutes.

The Origins of Blackened Cooking

Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to understand the origins of “blackening” in cooking. The technique was popularized by chef Paul Prudhomme, who is credited with bringing blackened fish to the masses in the 1980s. Blackening refers to cooking with a spice blend that, when subjected to high heat, forms a dark, crispy crust, creating both texture and flavor.

Blackened food isn’t truly “burnt”—rather, the high temperature used to sear the spices into the surface of the food results in a distinct, smoky flavor that is a hallmark of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Easy Blackened Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Peel and devein the shrimp: If you haven’t already done so, start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Leaving the tails on is optional, but they do make for a prettier presentation.
2. Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to gently pat the shrimp dry. This is important because moisture on the shrimp will prevent the seasoning from sticking properly and can also interfere with achieving a crispy, blackened crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

1. Combine the spices: In a small bowl, mix together all of the blackened seasoning ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and white pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly combined.
2. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning: Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the shrimp and toss them until evenly coated. If you want a more intense flavor, you can allow the shrimp to sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
   • Pro Tip: For even more flavor, you can place the seasoned shrimp in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

1. Preheat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get very hot—this is key to creating the signature blackened crust.
2. Add oil or butter: Add olive oil or butter to the pan. Once the oil shimmers or the butter melts, the pan is ready for the shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet: Carefully place the seasoned shrimp in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches depending on the size of your pan.
2. Sear the shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink, opaque, and have developed a nice blackened crust. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the shrimp should be tender.
   • Pro Tip: Do not move the shrimp around too much once they’re in the pan. Let them sear undisturbed to achieve that beautiful blackened crust.

Step 5: Serve the Shrimp

1. Remove from heat: Once the shrimp are cooked through and have a lovely crispy exterior, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
2. Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for a bright, zesty flavor. You can also garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color.
3. Serve: Serve the shrimp immediately, hot, with your favorite side dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Blackened Shrimp

Now that you’ve made your Easy Blackened Shrimp, here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. Over Rice: Serve your blackened shrimp on a bed of steamed rice or rice pilaf. The rice will help balance the spiciness and absorb the flavorful juices from the shrimp.

2. In Tacos: For a fun and casual meal, use the shrimp as the filling for soft corn or flour tortillas. Add some crunchy slaw, fresh salsa, and avocado for a vibrant taco experience.

3. With Veggies: Pair the shrimp with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The fresh veggies will complement the bold flavors of the blackened shrimp.

4. As a Salad: Top a green salad with blackened shrimp. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty dressing, like a lemon vinaigrette, for a light and refreshing meal.

5. On Pasta: Toss the blackened shrimp over a plate of pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish. Add a drizzle of olive oil, some garlic, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Variations and Customizations

Blackened shrimp is an incredibly versatile dish. Here are a few ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Alternatively, if you like your shrimp extra spicy, add more cayenne or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

2. Use Different Proteins: While shrimp is the traditional choice for blackening, this recipe works well with other seafood options, such as scallops or fish fillets. You could also try using chicken breast or thighs for a non-seafood option.

3. Vegan Option: For a plant-based twist, try blackening tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp. Slice the tofu into cubes or slabs, and follow the same seasoning and cooking process for a flavorful vegan meal.

4. Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbs and can easily be incorporated into a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Serve it with a cauliflower rice or a side of sautéed greens for a complete keto meal.

Tips for Success

• Get the pan hot: One of the most important aspects of making blackened shrimp is getting your skillet hot enough to form the crust. It’s essential to allow your pan to preheat properly before cooking the shrimp.
• Use a cast-iron skillet: If you have one, use a cast-iron skillet, as it retains and distributes heat more evenly than other pans. It also helps develop that perfect blackened crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once can lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the shrimp from blackening properly. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
• Pat the shrimp dry: Moisture on the shrimp will prevent the seasoning from sticking, so make sure to pat them dry before seasoning.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Bold and Flavorful Blackened Shrimp

This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe is a delicious, quick, and healthy way to enjoy bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will never disappoint.

With its versatility, ease of preparation, and satisfying taste, blackened shrimp is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy experimenting with different sides and sauces, and don’t forget to share this dish with friends and family!

Yield: 2-4

Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

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Blackened shrimp is a popular seafood dish inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisine, known for its bold, smoky flavor and slightly spicy kick. The technique of "blackening" involves coating shrimp with a flavorful blend of spices and then cooking them in a hot skillet until they develop a dark, crispy crust. The high heat caramelizes the spices, creating a mouthwatering crust while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20–25 shrimp)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
2. Make the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Season the Shrimp: Drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the shrimp and toss again until they are well coated.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through with a nice char on the outside.
5. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like your shrimp. You can omit it for a milder version.
• Cooking Method: For a slightly smokier flavor, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying them. Just be sure to skewer the shrimp or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these blackened shrimp with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or in tacos. They also go great over pasta or with roasted vegetables.