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    You Are Here: Home → Seafood

    Blackened Shrimp

    August 8, 2020 | Updated April 24, 2021 by Ryan 1 Comment

    171 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This blackened shrimp recipe is an easy, light and healthy dinner cooked in one pan and can be ready to eat in just 10 minutes. Try them with tacos, wraps, rice or pasta!

    overhead shot of blackened shrimp in skillet

    If you want something that is quick to make, look no further than shrimp - from lemon garlic butter shrimp to Caribbean shrimp tacos to teriyaki shrimp.

    Quick guess - what is the most popular recipe on the blog right now? I'll save you the hassle - blackened cod. I'm guessing it is because of how easy and tasty it is to prepare. So I figured why not take that recipe and make some blackened shrimp.

    This easy shrimp recipe is all about the homemade blackened seasoning. And while you can buy some at the store, you more than likely have all the spices at home already to make your own.

    It includes some brown sugar which helps you get that blackened caramelization you expect. What makes this quick shrimp recipe so great is its versatility. You can grill, bake or cook the blackened shrimp right on the stove-top.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Seafood Recipes
    • Blackened Shrimp
    shrimp that is blackened in skillet

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Olive oil - used to cook the shrimp.
    • Shrimp - use wild shrimp and whatever size you like. Just keep in mind the cooking time will vary.
    • Light brown sugar - helps create caramelization.
    • Paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper - combination of spices for blackened seasoning.
    • Garlic - enhances the flavor of the shrimp.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. In small bowl, combine the sugar and spices.
    2. Rub the seasoning into the shrimp, making sure it's entirely coated.
    3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in large skillet. Add the shrimp to skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side or until blackened. 
    4. With 30 seconds remaining, add garlic. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
    process shots of how to make blackened shrimp

    FAQs

    Do I Have to Make My Own Blackened Seasoning?

    No. Every grocery store sells blackened seasoning, but it really is easy to make on your own.

    What’s the Difference Between Blackened and Grilled?

    Food that is grilled just means it is cooked on a grill, over coals, gas or flame. Food that is blackened is coated with a traditional Cajun seasoning and then on very high heat, usually a cast iron skillet.

    How Do I Peel and Devien Shrimp?

    If you've never peeled and deveined shrimp I suggest watching this video from Epicurious.

    How Do I Know When Shrimp is Cooked?

    When properly cooked, the exterior of the shrimp should be pink with red tails and the flesh is slightly opaque and a little “white” in color. It only takes about 2 minutes per side in a pan to cook shrimp.

    What Sides Go with Shrimp?

    As far as vegetables I think some roasted asparagus complements the blackened shrimp perfectly. Just toss with some olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. But one of my favorites is goat cheese polenta, which basically turns the dish into shrimp and grits.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use wild shrimp when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better. Frozen shrimp works fine too but just make sure they're thawed before cooking.
    • If you use pre-cooked shrimp, you want to cook just 30 seconds per side so they don't get overcooked.
    • Add cold olive oil to a cold skillet and let heat up to proper temperature before adding the shrimp. You’ll know it is ready when the oil starts to shimmer.
    • Shrimp cook quickly so cook two minutes per side or until pink and opaque. If you cook too long, shrimp will be tough.
    overhead shot of shrimp in cast iron skillet

    Other Seafood Recipes

    • Chimichurri Salmon
    • Baltimore Crab Cakes
    • Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
    • Honey Garlic Salmon
    • Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini

    If you’ve tried this blackened shrimp recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    overhead shot of blackened shrimp in skillet
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Blackened Shrimp

    These delicious shrimp which are blackened are an easy, light and healthy dinner cooked in one pan and can be ready to eat in just 10 minutes.
    Prep Time2 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 121kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 teaspoon light brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • cilantro and limes for topping

    Instructions

    • In small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Rub the seasoning into the shrimp, making sure it's entirely coated.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in large skillet. Add the shrimp to skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side or until blackened. With 30 seconds remaining, add garlic. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Use wild shrimp when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better. Frozen shrimp works fine too but just make sure they're thawed before cooking.
    • If you use pre-cooked shrimp, you want to cook just 30 seconds per side so they don't get overcooked.
    • Add cold olive oil to a cold skillet and let heat up to proper temperature before adding the shrimp. You’ll know it is ready when the oil starts to shimmer.
    • Shrimp cook quickly so cook two minutes per side or until pink and opaque. If you cook too long, shrimp will be tough.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Comments

    1. Tom says

      October 19, 2020 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      I made this the other day. It was easy and delicious!

      Reply

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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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