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.