Description
This Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy seafood dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, the shrimp are coated in a bold Cajun-inspired spice mix and seared to perfection in a hot skillet, offering a delightful charred crust and juicy interior. Serve with a tangy remoulade sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Cooking
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Sauce
- Remoulade sauce (made with mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, capers, horseradish)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix and shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly until all shrimp are evenly coated with the spice blend.
- Heat the skillet and cook shrimp: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they start to char and turn pink, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. The shrimp should have a nicely blackened crust and be cooked through.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the blackened shrimp to a serving dish and serve immediately. Pair with remoulade sauce for dipping, or enjoy as desired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp to achieve the perfect blackened crust.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed for best results.
- Remoulade sauce complements the smoky, spicy flavor and can be made ahead of time.
- If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
