Blackened Shrimp
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These delicious Blackened Shrimp are the perfect versatile and fast weeknight meal. Try them in tacos, lettuce wraps, on pasta, rice, or simply on their own!
Super Easy Blackened Shrimp
I love having a big bag of frozen shrimp on hand for those busy weeknights when we need a fast, delicious meal! They thaw out so quickly in a bowl of warm water, and they only take 5 minutes to cook all the way through.
The incredible spice mix I paired the shrimp with double as a marinade, and the perfect coating to give these babies a beautiful blackened crust.
What Are Blackened Shrimp?
Blackening is a style of cooking that is most often associated with Cajun cuisine. Using a gorgeous mix of bold spices and a touch of herbs, the shrimp are completely coated in the spice mix before letting them sizzle on a hot skillet.
This mixture includes brown sugar which begins to caramelize the second it hits the pan, which helps the spice mixture cling to the shrimp and get crispy. So good!
- Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and depth of flavor. For a different kick, try chipotle powder.
- Paprika: Adds sweetness and color. Smoked paprika works too for a smokier note.
- Cumin: Offers an earthy, warm spice. Coriander is a good alternative if you’re out of cumin.
- Dried Oregano: This herb contributes a slightly bitter, aromatic touch. Marjoram can step in if you need a substitute.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a concentrated garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic or garlic salt (adjust the added salt accordingly) are options.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the spices with its molasses sweetness. Honey or maple syrup can do the trick too.
- Salt: To taste.
- Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness. White pepper can be used for a milder heat.
- Shrimp: I like using large or jumbo shrimp here.
- Olive Oil: For cooking and flavor. Any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil will work.
- Fresh Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor. Again, garlic powder or granulated garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh, citrusy note. If cilantro’s not your thing, parsley is a good fallback.
- Lime Wedges: Add a zesty, fresh finish. Lemon wedges can be equally refreshing.
First, mix your blackening seasoning well in a small bowl. Dump the mixture over your shrimp and stir until each one is coated generously. Set the shrimp aside for 30 minutes to marinate and soak up all those amazing flavors.
Next, heat a skillet up to medium-high heat. You can even go all the way to high heat if you want a nice dark crust. Coat the pan in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and arrange the shrimp in the pan in one layer. Let them cook for 2 minutes and then flip. Cook for another 2 minutes, add your garlic, and let it toast up in the pan for 30 seconds.
That’s it, you’re done! It doesn’t get any easier. Top these shrimp with some chopped up cilantro and serve with lime wedges. YUM!
Serve With
We served these as shrimp tacos, but you can enjoy them in so many different ways! Make a low-carb lunch or dinner by using them in lettuce wraps, top your rice or pasta with them, or just grab a fork and eat them as is! Here are some suggestions:
Yellow Rice
Mango Salsa
No-Knead Baguette
Thai Cucumber Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed before you start. Drain any excess water and pat them dry to avoid any wateriness in the dish.
How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Easy! If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder and pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit more chili powder to the spice mix.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
You can, but the flavor and texture are best with uncooked shrimp. If you do use pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the cooking time to just 30 seconds on each side to warm them through without overcooking.
Expert Tips
- Pat the Shrimp Dry Before Marinating: Removing excess moisture helps the spice blend adhere better to the shrimp, ensuring a more flavorful and evenly cooked result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if needed. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than sear, reducing that desirable blackened effect.
- Use High Heat for Searing: A hot pan is crucial for achieving the blackened crust without overcooking the shrimp. Keep the heat medium-high and let the pan heat up before adding the shrimp.
- Watch Your Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Storage
Once cooked, let the blackened shrimp cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Discover More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Chili Garlic Shrimp
- Maple BBQ Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Shrimp Fajitas
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Blackened Shrimp
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp (uncooked, peeled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Optional garnish
- cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- lime wedges
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dump the mixture over the shrimp and mix well. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic, stir, and cook for 30 seconds. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges to serve.
Equipment
Notes
- If you use pre-cooked shrimp, cook only for 30 seconds on each side as to not over-cook the shrimp.
- Allow frozen shrimp to thaw fully before cooking.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
