This Cajun Blackened Shrimp is packed with bold flavors and a nice kick! With spices like paprika and cayenne, these shrimp are seared to crispy perfection.
I love serving them over rice or mixing them in a salad. Just be ready for the compliments—dinner guests will think you’re a chef! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a sustainable option, consider shrimp from certified sources. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can try this seasoning on tofu or portobello mushrooms for a similar spicy kick.
Smoked Paprika: I love using smoked paprika for that rich, smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will also work. You can even mix in a pinch of liquid smoke to achieve that depth.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you want to keep it mild, consider substituting with sweet paprika or a dash of chili powder instead.
Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but feel free to substitute it with avocado oil or even coconut oil for a different twist. Using melted butter will give a rich taste that pairs nicely with the spices.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Getting that perfect char on your shrimp is key to great flavor. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the shrimp. A hot pan helps to form a great crust quickly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan! Give each shrimp enough space to cook evenly and get that blackened look.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side without stirring. This helps to sear the spices and creates that crispy coating.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp; they cook fast! Once they turn opaque, you know they are done.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly blackened, delicious shrimp every time!
Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off as preferred)
- 1 tbsp paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to desired heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or side of choice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 5-6 minutes of cooking time. You will be enjoying this flavorful dish in just around 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Cajun Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This is your Cajun seasoning blend that will bring all the flavors together!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they’re nice and dry to help the spices stick better.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil or melted butter. Make sure each shrimp is lightly coated, then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them. Toss again until all the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices. It’ll smell amazing!
4. Heat the Pan:
Put a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Let it heat up until it’s very hot—this step is crucial for getting that perfect blackened look!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches. Let them cook for about 2 minutes without moving them so they get that nice char.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After 2 minutes, flip the shrimp over and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. They’re done when they turn opaque and have a beautiful, blackened crust on both sides.
7. Serve:
Remove the shrimp from the pan and, if you like, garnish them with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or your chosen side dish. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful, perfectly blackened Cajun shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure the spices stick well.
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! While the combination of spices gives the best flavor, you can make adjustments. For instance, if you skip cayenne pepper, use a bit more paprika for flavor. You can also try using a premade Cajun or Creole seasoning mix as a substitute.
How Do I Store Leftover Blackened Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pan on low heat to ensure they don’t dry out, or microwave for a quick meal. Just be careful not to overheat them!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy Without Cayenne?
If you’d like to amp up the heat without using cayenne, consider adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or using a hotter pepper powder. Adjust according to your spice preference while incorporating them gradually!
