Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving something that delivers a fiery punch of flavor in minutes, look no further than Easy Blackened Shrimp. This recipe whips up plump, juicy shrimp coated with a smoky Cajun-inspired spice blend, all within a handful of minutes on the stovetop. It’s the kind of meal that feels celebratory even on the busiest weeknight: big on boldness, low on effort, and totally customizable to your tastes. Whether you want to serve these shrimp in tacos, atop crisp salads, or simply as a vibrant main with a squeeze of lemon, you’ll fall in love with how quick and delicious this dish is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Easy Blackened Shrimp is handpicked for maximum flavor without fuss. From spices that create that gorgeous blackened crust to the shrimp themselves, every component plays an important role in making this dish irresistible.
- Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—using large, fresh shrimp ensures every bite is juicy and satisfying. Leave the tails on for flair, or remove them for easy eating.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the spices evenly coat each shrimp, while also assisting that classic sear in the pan.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a deep smoky warmth and vivid color for that traditional blackened “look.”
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers savory depth and subtle sweetness, rounding out the spice blend.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle, aromatic backbone to the seasoning mixture.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses herby freshness and a distinctly Southern vibe.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a peppery, earthy note that complements all the other spices beautifully.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Delivers that essential Cajun heat—feel free to dial it up or down based on your spice preference.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and brings all the seasonings together harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the spice profile.
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving): A squirt of tangy lemon at the end brightens every bite—don’t skip it!
How to Make Easy Blackened Shrimp
Step 1: Coat the Shrimp
Start by adding your peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until every shrimp is glistening. This not only helps the spices stick like a dream, but also ensures they’ll sear beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Blackening Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly. Take a moment to appreciate how aromatic this mixture is—a sign of the flavor party that’s about to unfold!
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Sprinkle the entire spice mixture over the oiled shrimp. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece until every nook and cranny is covered. For even more flavor, let the shrimp sit for 10 to 15 minutes to marinate before cooking—but no worries if you’re short on time, they’ll still turn out delicious.
Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn opaque with a “just-charred” edge—don’t overcrowd the pan, work in batches if needed.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once the shrimp are perfectly blackened and fragrant, take them off the heat right away so they don’t overcook. Squeeze over fresh lemon juice and serve hot. The flavors are explosive and the shrimp are delightfully tender—if you can resist eating them straight from the skillet, you’re stronger than most!
How to Serve Easy Blackened Shrimp
Garnishes
A finishing touch of freshly squeezed lemon is a must for Easy Blackened Shrimp. You can also shower them with chopped parsley for color or sprinkle on a little flaky sea salt for crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a slice of avocado or a few pickled onions won’t go amiss, either.
Side Dishes
These shrimp are fantastic over a bed of fluffy rice, nestled into warm tortillas for zesty tacos, or served with a simple green salad. For heartier sides, consider creamy grits, roasted veggies, or a bowl of buttery pasta. The bold flavors of Easy Blackened Shrimp work wonderfully with nearly anything you love.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy Blackened Shrimp into party-worthy appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks, or toss them into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Layer them over a vibrant grain bowl with lime crema or pile them high in a po’ boy sandwich with tangy slaw—the possibilities are deliciously endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Blackened Shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The quick-cooking method keeps them plump, so they stay tasty even after a night in the fridge.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, for the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to freeze them immediately after cooling. Lay the cooked shrimp on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just make sure to thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for just 20 to 30 seconds. Be cautious not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery if heated too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Blackened Shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating with oil and seasoning. This ensures they’ll blacken nicely and won’t release too much water as they cook.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily tweak this by adding more or less cayenne to suit your taste.
What’s the best pan for blackening shrimp?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for its heat retention, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work beautifully. Just be sure it’s hot before you add the shrimp for optimal sear and flavor.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing?
Definitely! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll get a fantastic smoky flavor and gorgeous char marks.
Is Easy Blackened Shrimp suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this shrimp is an awesome meal prep protein! Store cooked shrimp separately and assemble with your favorite sides throughout the week for quick, exciting lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
When you want maximum flavor with minimum effort, Easy Blackened Shrimp is the way to go. This recipe has a permanent place in my weeknight rotation, and I hope it’ll find one in yours too. Grab some shrimp, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to something truly special tonight!
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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 that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp are seasoned with a blend of spices and seared to perfection, creating a delicious Cajun-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Toss Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Shrimp: Sprinkle seasoning mix over the shrimp and toss until fully coated.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinate seasoned shrimp for 10–15 minutes for extra flavor.
- Recipe works well for tacos, salads, or served over rice or pasta.
- Shrimp can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb shrimp
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
