Description
This Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe delivers flavorful, perfectly charred shrimp in just 15 minutes. Coated with a bold blend of Cajun spices and cooked to tender perfection in a skillet, these shrimp make a delicious and speedy meal or appetizer. Serve with creamy remoulade sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking Fat
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Sauce
- Remoulade sauce (made with mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, capers, horseradish)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder. Thoroughly mix these spices to create the blackening seasoning.
- Coat the shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the seasoning mix and toss until each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice blend, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet on medium-high heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which ensures a good sear.
- Cook the shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink with a slight char, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately. Optionally, accompany with remoulade sauce for dipping to add a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy, blackened shrimp.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper searing and blackening.
- Remoulade sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Serve with rice, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
