Blackened Shrimp

Introduction

Blackened Shrimp is a bold, flavorful seafood dish where shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning blend and seared in a hot skillet until perfectly charred on the outside yet juicy and tender inside. This Southern-inspired dish packs incredible flavor in just minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want something that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. The spice blend adds a smoky kick, the shrimp cook in minutes, and the char from the skillet gives it that irresistible restaurant-style flavor. It’s also a recipe that can be enjoyed in so many ways—on salads, in tacos, over rice, or just by itself with a squeeze of lemon.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ready in 15 minutes total.
• Bursting with smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors.
• Healthy, low-carb, and high-protein.
• Works as an appetizer, main dish, or part of meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~210 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern American
• Course: Main Dish, Appetizer

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Blackening Seasoning:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Pat shrimp dry, then toss in olive oil, lemon juice, and blackening seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet until very hot.
3. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
4. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (this helps with blackening).
• Toss shrimp in olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 2: Season Shrimp

• In a small bowl, mix all seasoning spices.
• Coat shrimp evenly with the blackening spice mix.

Step 3: Heat Skillet

• Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
• Let it heat until very hot (important for blackening).

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

• Add shrimp in a single layer.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque, slightly charred, and fragrant.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer to a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• On top of rice or quinoa for a quick dinner.
• Stuffed into tacos with avocado and slaw.
• Over a Caesar salad for a spicy twist.
• With garlic bread or roasted veggies as a light meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best char and flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
• Adjust cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference.
• Add 1 tbsp melted butter while cooking for extra richness.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Blackened Shrimp: Add garlic butter at the end for a rich flavor.
• Mild Version: Reduce cayenne pepper or omit for a less spicy dish.
• Cajun Shrimp Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling with tortillas, avocado, and lime crema.
• Blackened Shrimp Pasta: Toss shrimp with fettuccine and Alfredo sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed freezer bag.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave (shrimp can get rubbery if overheated).

Special Equipment Needed

• Cast-iron skillet (preferred) or heavy-bottomed pan
• Mixing bowls for seasoning and shrimp
• Tongs for flipping shrimp

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.

Q2: Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?
No, but cast-iron gives the best sear and flavor.

Q3: Can I bake instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Q4: Is this dish very spicy?
It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust cayenne to your liking.

Conclusion

Blackened Shrimp is the perfect quick, flavorful, and healthy recipe that works for any occasion. With smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors, it transforms simple shrimp into something bold and unforgettable in just 15 minutes. Whether served in tacos, over rice, or on its own, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers who crave vibrant flavors with minimal effort.