If you’re craving a dish that bursts with smoky, spicy flavor yet comes together in a snap, this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly seasoned shrimp get that iconic charred crust while staying juicy on the inside, delivering a mouthwatering Cajun-inspired experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these blackened shrimp bring bold taste and effortless style to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—building layers of flavor, adding vibrant color, or contributing a luscious texture that keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp work best for that tender seafood base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds lusciousness and aids caramelization for the perfect char.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides the signature smoky depth essential to blackened dishes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory punch to balance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herby aroma and slight earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides the perfect kick—adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat and aromatic boost.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Fresh acidity that brightens every bite when served.
How to Make Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring your shrimp get that fantastic crust instead of steaming in the pan. Toss them in a large bowl, ready to soak up those vibrant spices.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of your Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe, layering smoky, spicy, and aromatic notes that will become unforgettable once cooked.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Drizzle both olive oil and melted butter over the shrimp before tossing them with your seasoning mix. This step not only helps the spices stick beautifully but also lends a buttery richness that makes the char even more irresistible.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Get your cast iron skillet heating over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. This intense heat is key to achieving the signature blackened crust quickly without drying the shrimp out.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque, with slightly charred, smoky edges that give this dish its name and unforgettable flavor.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the shrimp from the heat and serve right away. The contrast of hot, flavorful shrimp with fresh lemon wedges will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lemon wedges enhance the flavors by adding a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro can also add a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the spicy heat of the shrimp.
Side Dishes
This Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every bit of seasoning, a crisp green salad to balance the spice, or even buttery corn on the cob for a Southern-inspired feast. You can’t go wrong with creamy coleslaw or roasted veggies either.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve these blackened shrimp over creamy grits or tuck them into warm tortillas for flavorful shrimp tacos. They also make a fantastic protein topper for a Cajun-inspired pasta dish or a vibrant rice bowl loaded with fresh veggies and avocado slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish even on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the shrimp longer, you can freeze them after cooking. Spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain great flavor for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve their texture and keep that delicious smoky crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and diminish those beautiful blackened flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to get the perfect char when cooking.
How spicy is this blackened shrimp?
The cayenne pepper adds a moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences, making it milder or hotter.
What type of pan is best for blackening shrimp?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains high heat well, essential for developing the characteristic blackened crust.
Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?
Yes! Mixing your spices in advance saves time and infuses more flavor as they mingle together. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Is this Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe gluten free?
Yes, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive folks.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how few ingredients and simple steps can create something truly special. It’s packed with bold flavor, quick to cook, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re new to blackening or a seasoned pro, I’m confident this recipe will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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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 Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp coated in a bold, smoky blend of Cajun spices and cooked to perfection in a hot cast iron skillet. Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful main course ideal for tacos, salads, pasta, or rice bowls, complemented perfectly by fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning Mix
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the shrimp in a large bowl to prepare for seasoning.
- Mix Seasoning: 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 spice mix.
- Coat the Shrimp: Drizzle olive oil and melted butter over the shrimp. Toss thoroughly with the seasoning mixture until each shrimp is evenly coated with the spices and oils.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Heat until the skillet is very hot to ensure proper searing and blackening of the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and have a slightly charred, blackened appearance on the edges.
- Serve: Remove the cooked shrimp from heat immediately and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an optional zesty finish.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred heat level for milder or spicier shrimp.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow the shrimp to blacken properly and avoid steaming.
- This versatile recipe is great for making tacos, salads, pasta dishes, or rice bowls.
