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!
If you want something that is quick to make, look no further than shrimp - from lemon garlic butter shrimp to teriyaki shrimp to a shrimp quiche to tandoori 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.
Why the Recipe Works
- Quick and easy to prepare - You can have this meal ready in under 10 minutes.
- Healthy - There is no extra calories here for flavor. It comes from the spices.
- Loaded with flavor - The homemade spice mixture is both a little sweet and spicy, complementing the shrimp perfectly.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Olive oil - The fat needed to cook the shrimp but canola oil or even butter works too.
- Shrimp - Use wild shrimp and whatever size you like. Just keep in mind the cooking time will vary.
- Spices - The combination of sugar and spices helps create that blackening crust and brings a little heat to the shrimp.
- Garlic - Enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Mix together the sugar and spices in a bowl before rubbing the seasoning into the shrimp. Make sure they are coated entirely.
Heat oil over medium-high heat in skillet and cook shrimp 2 minutes per side before adding the garlic. Serve immediately.
FAQs
No. Every grocery store sells blackened seasoning, but it really is easy to make on your own.
I would say it is in the mild category. It does have a slight heat to it but you can adjust by removing the cayenne pepper.
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.
And if you love blackened food, you can't go wrong with blackened halibut or blackened chicken.
If you've never peeled and deveined shrimp I suggest watching this video from Epicurious.
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.
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.
Equipment
The equipment you use is important to how the recipe turns out. What is needed is the following:
- Skillet/Dutch oven - You want something large enough to fit the shrimp.
- Spatula - You want a thin/flexible spatula so you can get under and flip the blackened shrimp.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Multiply the spice mixture by 4X and then save the rest in a jar for later use.
- 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.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. It should be just beginning to smoke.
- Shrimp cook quickly so cook two minutes per side or until pink and opaque. If you cook too long, shrimp will be tough.
Similar Recipes
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Blackened Shrimp
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 the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side or until blackened. With 30 seconds remaining, add garlic. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Multiply the spice mixture by 4X and then save the rest in a jar for later use.
- 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.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. It should be just beginning to smoke.
- Shrimp cook quickly so cook two minutes per side or until pink and opaque. If you cook too long, shrimp will be tough.
Tom says
I made this the other day. It was easy and delicious!