Seasoned with delicious spices, this blackened shrimp recipe delivers bold flavor straight to the table. The best part is how quick and easy it is, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal!
The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
Discovering the bold flavors of blackened shrimp was a game-changer for me! Shrimp is an excellent protein choice that complements blackened seasoning perfectly. You can effortlessly prepare this flavorful meal at home with just a few ingredients and a few simple seasonings.
This recipe is one of my top ways to savor a delicious meal without leaving my house. This dish is perfect as a main dish or as an appetizer, although be sure to make enough for everyone!
If you like this recipe, you'll love these blackened mahi mahi and blackened chicken alfredo recipes.
A Quick Look at the Ingredients Needed
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post
- Shrimp - This recipe calls for raw shrimp. Getting them already peeled and deveined will save you time. Frozen shrimp or fresh shrimp are fine to use, just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp first.
- Blackened seasoning - I suggest using blackened seasoning for a smokier flavor, however, Cajun seasoning is perfectly fine to use.
- Unsalted Butter - Coats the shrimp and keeps them juicy with a rich creamy flavor. It's what is used in many blackened recipes.
- Garnish - Lemon wedges and parsley are optional, but they complement the flavor of the shrimp.
Tools needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
- Tongs or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring Spoon
How to Make Blackened Shrimp
First, place the shrimp in a large bowl and sprinkle with Cajun or blackened seasoning. Toss the bowl to coat the shrimp evenly. Now set them aside.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, until the shrimp start to turn opaque.
Now, flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Add the unsalted butter to the pan and stir it into the shrimp to coat them. Remove it from the heat.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, for squeezing over the shrimp.
How to Store
You can place the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To warm up shrimp, heat gently in a skillet on medium heat until just warm. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make them tough. You can use the microwave, but I do not recommend this as it's incredibly easy to overcook the shrimp.
To prepare ahead, you can season the raw shrimp and refrigerate them overnight. I do not recommend leaving raw shrimp in the refrigerator for more than a day. It's advisable to use frozen shrimp on the same day it's thawed.
FAQS
This is a smoky and slightly spicy mix used in Cajun and Creole cooking. It contains smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and oregano. When cooked on high heat, it caramelizes the spices, creating a flavorful and slightly charred crust on the outside.
Blackened seasoning and Cajun seasoning are similar, but they have distinct differences in flavor profiles. Cajun seasoning has a slightly spicier flavor while blackened seasoning has a smokier flavor.
Absolutely! The best thing about blackened seasoning is that it can go well with other seafoods, such as fish. It even tastes great on chicken.
Tanya's Notes
- Serve the blackened shrimp as an appetizer, over a salad, or with your favorite side dish. You could also use them as a base for tacos.
- If you prefer, you can grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, then baste with melted butter.
I hope you like this blackened shrimp recipe as much as we do! Looking for more blackened recipes? Try these out:
If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl and sprinkle with Cajun or blackened seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until the shrimp starts to turn opaque.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Add the unsalted butter to the pan and stir it into the shrimp to coat them. Remove the from the heat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, for squeezing over the shrimp.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serve the blackened shrimp as an appetizer, over a salad, or with your favorite side dish. You could also use them as a base for tacos.
- If you prefer, you can grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, then baste with melted butter.
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