Blackened Shrimp

This quick and easy Blackened Shrimp recipe is made with a blend of simple, yet delicious spices that take the flavor of this dish to the next level! These tasty shrimp are great as a healthy main served with your favorite sides or incorporated into meals like tacos, salads, and burrito bowls!

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Blackened shrimp is simple to make and can be ready in about 10 minutes, prep time included. The wonderful mix of spices adds the perfect amount of seasoning and makes a nice crisp seasoned edge when cooked. You will be amazed that such an easy recipe creates such incredible taste and texture of the shrimp.

Why you will love this recipe

• Quick and easy: If you’re in search of a dinner that’s full of flavor but can also be served in minutes, this recipe is it! This is the perfect fast and tasty meal for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like doing much cooking.
• Healthy: Shrimp is an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner! It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and antioxidants. It’s also low in carbs and fat!
• A major crowd-pleaser: Fresh, tender shrimp is smothered with spices then seared to charred perfection for a taste that the whole family will love! This is one of those meals that everyone is going to think that you slaved over, but it could not be any easier.
• Versatile: Not only can you customize the spices and adjust the heat level, but you can serve this shrimp so many different ways!

Ingredients needed

The ingredients for this blackened shrimp recipe aside from the shrimp are all pantry staples. This dish is so fuss-free and tasty, you’ll want to make it on repeat!

• Spice mix: A cajun-inspired blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, coriander, kosher salt and black pepper come together for the most mouth-watering, to-die-for flavor!
• Oil: For cooking the shrimp. You can use olive oil or avocado oil.
• Jumbo shrimp: Peel and devein raw, uncooked shrimp for this recipe.

How to make this recipe

If you have 10 minutes, then you have enough time to get this shrimp on the dinner table. Your whole family is sure to enjoy it! Here’s the simple method:

1. Make spice mix: In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings.
2. Prep shrimp: Place the thawed shrimp in a bowl and pat dry with paper towels to eliminate the remaining water.
3. Season shrimp: Sprinkle with the seasoning mix or splice blend and stir well to coat each shrimp.
4. Cook: Preheat a large heavy-bottom skillet or a cast iron skillet over medium heat and drizzle with the oil. Working in 2 batches, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until charred and curled, about 2 minutes per side.

Expert tips

• Shrimp: Feel free to use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw first. Buy it peeled and deveined for convenience and remove the tails if you’d like.
• Thawing frozen shrimp: If you are going to use frozen shrimp, thaw it by placing it in a bowl of cool water for a few minutes.
• Coating in spices: Be sure to completely coat the shrimp in the seasonings. This will make sure the intense flavor is in every bite and it will be less likely to stick to the pan.
• Use a hot skillet: Use a heavy-bottomed or cast iron skillet for an even distribution of heat. Also, ensure that it is hot when you add the shrimp to it, so they blacken evenly and don’t stick.
• Don’t move the shrimp: Be patient and allow the shrimp to cook for two minutes on the first side, then flip and let it cook for another two minutes. Try not to flip back and forth.
• Don’t overcook: Watch the shrimp closely, as it cooks very quickly. You do not want to overcook it or it will turn out tough and rubbery.

Frequently asked questions

Variations

Change up the flavor of this blackened shrimp to fit your preference! Here are a couple of ideas:

• Seasoning: You can change the flavor of the shrimp by using different seasonings. Try our cajun seasoning or you could even make these with our jerk seasoning or taco seasoning.
• Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice always brightens the flavor of shrimp!

Serving suggestions

There are so many options when it comes to how to serve your blackened shrimp! It’s great with salads, pasta dishes, pasta salads, rice and vegetables. Here are some ideas:

• Make a bowl: Make a southwest bowl, like this salmon bowl but use the blackened shrimp instead of the salmon.
• Salsa: Serve taco style with a delicious salsa! Try this corn salsa or this pineapple salsa.
• Serve with sides: Shrimp is delicious with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Other great pairing options are couscous, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or cauliflower rice.

Storage recommendations

Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after being cooked but leftovers are great over salads or wrapped in tortillas and served with taco fixings. Here’s the best way to keep it fresh:

• Storing leftovers: Place leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about two days.
• To reheat: Rewarm shrimp on the stove with about a teaspoon of olive oil on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until they are heated through.

More shrimp recipes

• Shrimp Rasta Pasta
• Shrimp Creole Recipe
• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet
• Healthy Shrimp Scampi
• Zest Shrimp Avocado Pasta
• Easy Pesto Shrimp
• Easy Teriyaki Shrimp
• Cajun Shrimp Recipe

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