Blackened Shrimp – With a smoky, spicy crust and juicy, tender shrimp, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, elegant appetizers, or a standout protein in your favorite dishes.
What is Blackened Shrimp?
Blackened shrimp refers to shrimp coated in a bold spice mix, seared in a hot skillet until the spices form a deep, flavorful crust. The “blackened” effect comes from the intense heat that toasts the spices, creating a slightly charred yet smoky profile. This dish is rooted in Cajun and Creole cuisine, known for its robust flavors and use of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Blackened Shrimp
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- High Heat is Key: A hot skillet ensures the spices sear properly, forming a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Butter for Authentic Flavor: While olive oil works well, using butter adds richness and enhances the smoky, charred flavors.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they sear evenly.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
Blackening Seasoning
You can find pre-made blackening spice blends, but making your own is super easy and lets you adjust the heat. Here’s my go-to mix:
- Paprika (smoked and regular): The backbone of the flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder: Essential aromatics.
- Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil): Layers of complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t skimp!
- Cayenne pepper: This is where you control the heat – start with less and add more to taste.
Variations on Blackened Shrimp
Blackened shrimp is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Blackened Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Keto Blackened Shrimp: Replace the sugar (if added in the spice mix) with a keto-friendly alternative and pair with cauliflower rice.
- Grilled Blackened Shrimp: Instead of pan-searing, thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Blackened Shrimp Salad: Toss shrimp onto a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a light, healthy meal.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp
Blackened shrimp shines as the star of various dishes. Here are some creative serving ideas:
- Over Rice or Pasta: Pair with creamy pasta or Cajun rice for a comforting meal.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Stuff shrimp into pita bread or a toasted sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with cocktail sauce or a zesty aioli.
- In Bowls: Combine shrimp with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of yogurt sauce for a wholesome bowl.
How to Store and Reheat Blackened Shrimp
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Blackened shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Reheat: Warm shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the spices from adhering and result in steaming instead of searing.
2. What’s the best skillet for blackened shrimp? A cast-iron skillet works best due to its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, creating the perfect crust.
3. How can I make this recipe less spicy? Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a mild, sweet contrast.
4. Is blackened shrimp gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged spices to ensure they are gluten-free.
5. Can I use other seafood? Absolutely! This blackening technique works well with fish fillets (like salmon or catfish), scallops, or even chicken.
Blackened Shrimp
These easy juicy blackened shrimp is the best weeknight appetizer made in less than 15 minutes served on pasta, rice or with tacos.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 2 Tbsp blackening seasoning
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil, divided
- freshly minced parsley or coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, pat dry the shrimps and toss with melted butter.
- Add blackening seasoning and toss to combine until well coated.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium high high until smoky hot. Add 1 oil and swirl to coat.
- Single layer half of the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute. Remove and transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining shrimp and oil, cook about 2-3 seconds, flip and cook for another minute.
- Add all the cooked shrimp to the skillet or until warmed through.
- Serve immediately, minced coriander leaves.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 202Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 206mgSodium 2422mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 21g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Blackened shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served as a main course, an appetizer, or a topping, it brings bold Cajun-inspired flavors to your table. With the tips, tricks, and variations shared in this guide, you’ll be making restaurant-quality blackened shrimp in no time. So grab your skillet and spice blend—your next culinary adventure awaits!
