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Shrimp Appetizers 30 Minutes or Less Seafood
4.6 from 276 votes

Blackened Shrimp

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •10/3/22 78 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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!

blackened shrimp in a skillet topped with cilantro and a lime wegde

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.

process of making blackened shrimp

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!

overhead of a skillet filled with blackened shrimp and lime wedges

How to Make Blackened Shrimp

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!

We used frozen shrimp for this recipe, but you can use pre-cooked. Cook them for only 30 seconds on each side so that they don’t get overcooked.

overhead of blackened shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa and lime wedges

How to Serve Blackened Shrimp

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!

Who’s ready to dig in?!

two blackened shrimp tacos topped with pineapple salsa

Looking for More Shrimp Recipes? Try These:

  • Bang Bang Shrimp
  • Chili Garlic Shrimp
  • Maple BBQ Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
  • Cajun Shrimp Foil Packs

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.

close up shot of blackened shrimp with a lime wedge
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4.56 from 276 votes

Blackened Shrimp

Prep 5 minutes minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes minutes
Cook 5 minutes minutes
Total 10 minutes minutes
Rate Recipe
These delicious Blackened Shrimp are the perfect versatile weeknight meal. Try them in tacos, lettuce wraps, on pasta, rice, or simply on their own!
4

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.

Video

Notes

  1. If you use pre-cooked shrimp, cook only for 30 seconds on each side as to not over-cook the shrimp.
  2. Allow frozen shrimp to thaw fully before cooking.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 227kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Protein: 35g (70%)Fat: 6g (9%)Cholesterol: 428mg (143%)Sodium: 1939mg (84%)Potassium: 234mg (7%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 1430IU (29%)Vitamin C: 7.9mg (10%)Calcium: 271mg (27%)Iron: 4.8mg (27%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

close up shot of blackened shrimp with a lime wedge

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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78 Comments
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Nanmac52
Nanmac52
Posted: 9 days ago

5 stars
Extremely easy, practically foolproof way to serve shrimp. Excellent cold, too.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Nanmac52
Posted: 9 days ago

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m over the moon to hear that you enjoyed the blackened shrimp recipe. It’s one of my favorites too because of its simplicity and bold flavors. And yes, they’re just as tasty cold – perfect for a quick and delicious snack or in salads! 😊🍤 Keep enjoying and stay tuned for more easy and tasty recipes.

0
Reply
Vickie
Vickie
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
Great recipe. I toned down spices a bit based on reviews but next time will use full measurements. Ate with a tomato Alfredo sauce along with mushrooms and asparagus, and garlic bread. Perfect meal!

1
Reply
Daisy
Daisy
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
My family and I love this recipe. A definite family favorite!!

0
Reply
Becky. This is my new go to blackening recipe. I’m
Becky. This is my new go to blackening recipe. I’m
Posted: 4 months ago

5 stars
This is the best blackening seasoning!!!! I use it all the time and sooooo easy!! I need to make up a quart of it to have on hand:))

0
Reply
Nikkee
Nikkee
Posted: 5 months ago

5 stars
Delicious

1
Reply
Sharon Johnson
Sharon Johnson
Posted: 1 year ago

I tried this recipe without the salt and it was delicious. My husband is on a heart healthy diet, which means I’m on a heart healthy diet. Such a good combo of spices, it didn’t need the salt. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sharon Johnson
Posted: 1 year ago

My pleasure, so glad you guys liked it!

0
Reply
Sandi Herrington
Sandi Herrington
Posted: 1 year ago

This was so much easier than I dreamed it could be and sooo delicious.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sandi Herrington
Posted: 1 year ago

So glad you liked it!

1
Reply
Deborah
Deborah
Posted: 1 year ago

I used the blackened shrimp in a cold curry shrimp salad. They were divine. I love this recipe.

0
Reply
Mary Winstead
Mary Winstead
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
This was delightful. I did add cayenne pepper because we like a little heat. It looked just like your picture. The cilantro and added lime put it over the top. I’m going to try this rub on grilled chicken. I think it would be delicious. This is my new “blackening “ rub!

0
Reply
Liz
Liz
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
I never rate recipes, but this is my go to that I’ve used over and over again. I add some cayenne because we like it extra spicy!

0
Reply
Jen B.
Jen B.
Posted: 1 year ago

Would it be ok to prepare the marinade and place it on the shrimp in the morning and then cook it in the evening after returning home from work?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Jen B.
Posted: 1 year ago

Yeah, considering it’s not really a marinade but more of a dry rub, it should be fine.

0
Reply
Laura S
Laura S
Posted: 2 years ago

LOL whooops I forgot the brown sugar and I didn’t read the whole instructions….meaning I mixed ALL the ingrediants first,…another oops but I dont think it affected it too much. I made sure to cover all the shrimp with the mixture by mixing thouroughly once dumped on top and let it sit in the fridge for 40 min. Added them to my ramen noodles and whaa laa a fast tasty healthy meal! I can’t imagine it with brown sugar so I’m glad I didn’t have any. Thanks for posting the recipe!

1
Reply
Laura S
Laura S
Reply to  Laura S
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Shoots I forgot to mark the stars…5 stars!

0
Reply
KDT
KDT
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
My husband, who has a “maybe I like it” relationship with seafood loved this and cleaned the bottoms of the shrimp platter with bread. I used a regular pan and they were cooked through before any blackening seemed to appear so I took them off. If the blackening part is important I would use a cast iron pan. Will make again and again.

0
Reply
Bryan Campos
Bryan Campos
Posted: 2 years ago

This is look amazing! However, I’m rather new to cooking. I imagine I’ll take off tails before cooking correct? Thank you.

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Bryan Campos
Posted: 2 years ago

Yes! There is a video for this recipe as well if visuals help you out! You can click the “jump to video” button at the top of the page, or scroll all the way down to the recipe card. If you have an ad blocker turned on, you might not be able to see the video (just something to keep in mind) but it should help you!!

0
Reply
Katie Griese
Katie Griese
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I loved this recipe!! It is a easy, healthy, and quick recipe. It has tons of flavor without being too spicy.. I paired it with rice. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. This will be my go to meal on busy days. Thanks

0
Reply

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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