Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
If you’re hunting for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than Easy Blackened Shrimp. This Cajun-inspired dish features juicy shrimp boldly coated in a smoky, spicy blend of herbs and spices, then seared to perfection in minutes. Whether you’re new to blackening or a seasoned seafood lover, this recipe delivers incredibly tender shrimp and a vibrant burst of flavor every time, proving that bold doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few powerhouse pantry staples come together to create the magic behind Easy Blackened Shrimp. Each ingredient brings its own charm—think depth, heat, color, or a fresh finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need to turn out restaurant-worthy results at home.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off): Go for fresh or frozen—just make sure they’re cleaned for easy cooking and impressive presentation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices stick and aids in creating that beautiful sear in the skillet.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers deep, smoky undertones that are the hallmark of blackening.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory intensity—it’s a classic shrimp partner.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with subtle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a touch of earthiness and Mediterranean aroma.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a fragrant herbal boost that balances the heat.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Controls the spiciness—add more or less depending on your heat preference.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Won’t overpower; just enough to bring everything together and enhance all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For just a hint of sharp warmth.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving (optional): Bright, fresh finishing touches that wake up every bite.
How to Make Easy Blackened Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Before the heat is on, make sure your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. If you’re feeling fancy, leave on the tails for a striking presentation, but they’re equally delicious without. Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel first means the seasonings will stick better and you’ll get a perfect sear.
Step 2: Make the Blackened Seasoning
This is where the flavor comes alive! In a small bowl, whisk together your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The vibrant color and aroma will give you a sneak peek of what’s coming, and you can always double or triple this mix to keep on hand for your next batch of Easy Blackened Shrimp.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Place your shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the shrimp, gently tossing until every nook is covered in that bold Cajun-inspired blend. Don’t be shy—generous seasoning is the secret behind unforgettable blackened shrimp.
Step 4: Sear in a Hot Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; you want it nice and hot so the shrimp sizzle on contact and the spices toast, not burn. Add the shrimp in a single layer—avoid crowding, which can steam instead of sear. Cook just 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque with a dark, slightly charred exterior.
Step 5: Serve Right Away
Transfer your Easy Blackened Shrimp straight off the heat to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle with bright parsley, and get ready for a bite packed with smoky, spicy, citrusy goodness!
How to Serve Easy Blackened Shrimp
Garnishes
A heaping handful of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges transform your Easy Blackened Shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish. Not only do they add color, but the lemon’s acidity balances the heat and brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is incredibly versatile! Pile them over fluffy white rice or buttery garlic pasta for a hearty main. For lighter fare, pair with a crisp green salad or tuck them into warm tortillas for zesty blackened shrimp tacos. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Easy Blackened Shrimp family-style on a sizzling platter or skewer them for eye-catching appetizers at your next gathering. You can even top grain bowls, stuff them into lettuce wraps, or scatter them over pizza for a Cajun twist. Let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Blackened Shrimp keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply place them in an airtight container after cooling, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. They’re quick to repurpose into salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Freezing
While shrimp can technically be frozen after cooking, Easy Blackened Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, layer the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat just until hot, or microwave in short bursts. Be careful not to overcook, or the shrimp can turn rubbery. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens them right up!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Blackened Shrimp less spicy?
Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and you’ll still have all the rich flavor without the heat. The smoked paprika and other herbs will shine, keeping the dish kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
What’s the best size shrimp for this recipe?
Large or extra-large shrimp work best for blackening because they cook quickly and deliver a juicy, succulent bite. If you use smaller shrimp, just shorten the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Can I grill Easy Blackened Shrimp instead of using a skillet?
Definitely! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll get that gorgeous char and smoky flavor, and cleanup is a breeze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Easy Blackened Shrimp is naturally gluten-free as written. Just make sure any sides or tortillas you pair them with are gluten-free too, and you’re all set for a satisfying, allergy-friendly meal.
Can I use this seasoning mix for other proteins?
Absolutely—you can rub the same blackened spice blend on chicken, fish fillets, or even tofu for a Cajun-inspired twist. It’s a versatile, flavor-packed combo you’ll want to use again and again.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a meal that’s bold, vibrant, and ready in a flash, Easy Blackened Shrimp is about to become your new go-to recipe. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress company. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you come back for seconds!
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Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Seasoned with a blend of spices, these shrimp are seared to perfection, creating a delicious and mildly spicy Cajun-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Toss Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes on each side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
- Great served over rice, pasta, salad, or in tacos.
- You can double the spice mix and store it in a jar for quick blackened seasoning any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ lb shrimp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
