Quick and Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Blackened shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a combination of smoky, spicy, and savory tastes. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party. In this recipe, shrimp is seasoned with a mix of bold spices, seared in a hot skillet, and cooked until perfectly tender and flavorful.

Whether you’re serving it with rice, pasta, tacos, or a fresh salad, blackened shrimp is versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes. The crispy, smoky crust formed during the cooking process adds a great texture and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Blackened shrimp is a popular dish that has its roots in Cajun cuisine. The “blackened” effect refers to the process of cooking the shrimp with a spice mixture that forms a flavorful, dark crust when seared in a hot skillet. The spice mix usually contains ingredients such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt. This combination of spices creates a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

This recipe for blackened shrimp is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving something light and healthy or want to add a bold and flavorful component to a larger meal, blackened shrimp fits the bill. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a plate full of juicy shrimp with a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Shrimp

1. Rinse the Shrimp: Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to remove any excess debris or shells if necessary. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove moisture. Dry shrimp will sear better and form a crispy, blackened crust.
2. Peel and Devein: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on or remove them based on your preference or the dish you plan to make.
3. Set Aside: Once the shrimp is cleaned and dried, set it aside while you prepare the spice mix.

2. Making the Blackening Spice Mix

1. Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed. This seasoning mix will give the shrimp its signature smoky and spicy flavor.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you like your shrimp spicier, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

3. Cooking the Shrimp

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. If you prefer, you can also add a tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor, but it’s not necessary.
2. Season the Shrimp: While the skillet is heating, take your shrimp and toss them in the spice mix. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning on all sides. You can use your hands or tongs to gently toss them in the bowl.
3. Add the Shrimp to the Skillet: Once the skillet is hot (you’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers), add the shrimp in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the shrimp from searing properly. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a rich golden-brown and are cooked through. The shrimp should curl and become opaque when fully cooked. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
5. Rest the Shrimp: Once the shrimp is done cooking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest. This allows the shrimp to retain its juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Blackened shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Over Rice: Serve the blackened shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a healthy alternative. The shrimp adds great flavor to the rice and creates a well-balanced meal.
2. In Tacos: Stuff the blackened shrimp into warm corn or flour tortillas, then top with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a simple yet satisfying taco.
3. On a Salad: Add the blackened shrimp to a fresh salad, such as a Greek salad, Caesar salad, or a simple mixed green salad. The shrimp will add protein and flavor to the dish.
4. In Pasta: Toss the blackened shrimp with pasta and your favorite sauce for a quick and flavorful seafood pasta dish. A creamy garlic sauce or a light lemon-butter sauce pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
5. As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with dipping sauces like spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or homemade ranch dressing.
6. With Vegetables: Pair the blackened shrimp with roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a low-carb, healthy meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add a Sweet Touch: To balance the spiciness of the cayenne pepper, add a pinch of brown sugar or honey to the seasoning mix. This creates a nice contrast of sweet and spicy.
2. Lemon Zest: For extra freshness, zest some lemon into the seasoning mix, or simply serve the shrimp with a wedge of lemon on the side for a citrusy kick.
3. Garlic Butter Sauce: After cooking the shrimp, toss them in a garlic butter sauce to add a rich, savory flavor. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then drizzle the sauce over the shrimp.
4. Use Other Seafood: While shrimp is the traditional choice for blackened dishes, you can use the same seasoning for other seafood, such as scallops or fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of seafood.
5. Grilled Version: If you prefer grilling, skewer the seasoned shrimp and cook them over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re blackened and cooked through.

Tips for Success

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If possible, use a cast-iron skillet for cooking the shrimp. The cast-iron surface retains heat well and creates a beautiful sear on the shrimp.
2. Preheat the Skillet: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This ensures the shrimp get a good sear and forms a crispy, blackened crust.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Overcrowding the shrimp in the pan will cause them to steam rather than sear. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
4. Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily adjust the heat level of this recipe by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne.
5. Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp that has been properly thawed for the best flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil or butter. Heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Conclusion

This quick and easy blackened shrimp recipe is perfect for a flavorful, weeknight meal that is both spicy and savory. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether served in tacos, over rice, or on a salad, this blackened shrimp is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious!

Yield: 4

Quick and Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

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Blackened shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a combination of smoky, spicy, and savory tastes. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party. In this recipe, shrimp is seasoned with a mix of bold spices, seared in a hot skillet, and cooked until perfectly tender and flavorful.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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 taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove 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, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are well mixed.
   
3. Season the Shrimp:
   Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the shrimp, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Use your hands to gently toss the shrimp in the spices, pressing the seasoning into the shrimp.
   
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a nice char. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches.
   
5. Finish and Serve:
   Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
   Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
   Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, salad, or in tacos.

Notes

• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Serving Ideas: These blackened shrimp are perfect for adding to salads, pasta dishes, or tacos.