This Blackened Shrimp is full of zesty flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish! Serve with your favorite rice or add to a dinner salad.
Quick and easy blackened shrimp
Blackened shrimp seems so elegant and it is! But it's also one of the easiest dishes you'll ever make!
Seriously, all you need to do is toss some blackening seasoning on the shrimp and then plop the shrimp into a hot pan.
Because it's so quick and easy, this makes a perfect weeknight meal or when you have unexpected guests show up for dinner.
I've made premixed a container of blackening seasoning to keep in my cupboard. It makes this dish even easier. But don't worry if you haven't premixed any. This is still easy peasy and just as fast to make.
Key ingredients
Ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Shrimp - Use raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. You can use tails on or tails off. You'll need about 1 ½ pounds of shrimp.
- Shrimp is classified by the number of shrimp you can get in a pound and it's usually listed as a range. 26/30 means you'll get between 26 and 30 shrimp per pound. The smaller the numbers, the larger the shrimp.
- Blackening Seasoning - A premixed seasoning can be used or combine just the amount you need for this recipe.
Step by step directions
How to make it
In this section I share step by step photos, cooking method, techniques and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel
- Sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the shrimp. Toss to coat so the shrimp is well covered.
- Heat a cast iron skillet until hot, but not smoking
- Add oil and wait until it begins shimmering then add shrimp
- Cook in a single layer for 1-2 minutes and flip
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and remove from heat
- Top with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Serve hot
To use frozen shrimp
One of the great things about this dish, is you don't have to pre plan anything at all. I often keep a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer and it's perfect for using in this recipe.
Just pull out the shrimp and place in a large bowl. Fill with cold water and let sit until thawed. This will take about 10-20 minutes. Don't use warm water or it will change the texture of the shrimp.
Recipe tips
- The shrimp cooks very quickly. Have everything else for your meal ready to go.
- Make certain to pat your fish dry. This helps ensure that nice slightly charred surface.
- Use a hot cast iron skillet or a hot heavy duty stainless steel skillet
- As soon as you add the shrimp, distribute it so the shrimp is in a single layer
- The shrimp only takes 1-2 minutes per side. Time will vary depending on your shrimp and your pan.
- To flip the shrimp, I use a pair of tongs and turn each one individually
- If making a larger batch of shrimp, you will want to cook in two pans or in two separate batches. You don't want an overcrowded pan.
Frequently asked questions
Blackened shrimp does us cayenne pepper which can be spicy to some people. You can easily reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used in this recipe.
Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with rice
- Add to Garlic Butter Pasta
- Top a Caesar Salad
- Eat alongside Green Beans Almondine
More delicious shrimp recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious main dish recipes!
Blackened Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teapoon dried thyme
Shrimp
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp (uncooked, peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (premixed or use amounts listed above)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Blackening Seasoning
- You can use a premixed blackening seasoning or quickly mix up one to use. Combine all seasonings is a bowl.2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ⅛ teapoon dried thyme
Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel1 ½ pounds shrimp
- Sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the shrimp. Toss to coat so the shrimp is well covered.
- Heat a cast iron skillet until hot, but not smoking
- Add oil and wait until it begins shimmering then add shrimp1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cook in a single layer for 1-2 minutes and flip
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and remove from heat
- Top with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Serve hot
Notes
- The shrimp cooks very quickly. Have everything else for your meal ready to go.
- Make certain to pat your fish dry. This helps ensure that slightly charred surface.
- Use a hot cast iron skillet or a hot heavy duty stainless steel skillet
- As soon as you add the shrimp, distribute it so the shrimp is in a single layer
- The shrimp only takes 1-2 minutes per side. Time will vary depending on your shrimp and your pan.
- To flip the shrimp, I use a pair of tongs and turn each one individually
- If making a larger batch of shrimp, you will want to cook in two pans or in two separate batches. You don't want an overcrowded pan.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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