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 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.
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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
- In small bowl, combine the sugar and spices.
- 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.
FAQs
No. Every grocery store sells blackened seasoning, but it really is easy to make on your own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Tom says
I made this the other day. It was easy and delicious!