Description
This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare shrimp with a bold Cajun-inspired spice blend. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning and seared in a hot skillet to achieve a deliciously charred exterior. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a good sear.
- Coat with olive oil: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil until each piece is evenly coated, providing a base for the spices to stick.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening seasoning.
- Season the shrimp: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled shrimp and toss thoroughly so every shrimp is well coated with the blackening spices.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot, which is crucial for achieving the signature blackened crust.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side without overcrowding the pan, working in batches if necessary, until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slightly charred appearance.
- Serve: Remove the cooked shrimp from the heat and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to add brightness and balance the spices.
Notes
- To reduce the heat level, decrease the amount of cayenne pepper used in the spice mix.
- These blackened shrimp are versatile and can be enjoyed in tacos, salads, grain bowls, or served alongside rice for a complete meal.
