Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that brings a little bit of the South to your table. The shrimp are coated in a mix of spices, giving them a bold and zesty kick!
Cooking these shrimp is quick and easy, making them a perfect weekday dinner. I love to serve them with rice or toss them into a salad—deliciousness is guaranteed! 🌶️🦐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe. If fresh isn’t available, feel free to use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. I like using tail-on shrimp for presentation, but tails off make for easier eating!
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work great for this dish! Butter adds a rich flavor, while olive oil keeps it lighter. If you want a dairy-free option, stick with olive oil or any neutral oil.
Cajun Spices: Paprika is key for color and flavor. Smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely depth. You can mix and match the other spices based on your preference; for example, you can leave out cayenne if you want less heat or add more garlic powder for extra flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Blackened Crust?
Getting that beautiful blackened crust is all about the heat and timing. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is super hot before adding the shrimp—really hot! This helps create that sear.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan. If there are too many, they’ll steam instead of blacken.
- Let them cook without moving them for a few minutes. This allows that nice crust to form.
- Check to see if they are golden brown before flipping. You want a good char, but don’t let them get burnt.
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up perfectly blackened shrimp that are tender and flavorful every time!
Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cooking time, so you can get this meal on the table in just about 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
First things first! Rinse your shrimp under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they’re nice and dry—this helps them get that perfect sear when cooking.
2. Make the Cajun Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and white pepper (if using). This will create a delicious Cajun spice mix to elevate your shrimp!
3. Coat the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil or melted butter until they’re all nicely coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mix over the shrimp and toss again until each shrimp is evenly covered in those tasty spices.
4. Heat the Pan:
Grab a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottom pan and heat it over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes until it’s really hot. This is key for achieving that perfect blackened crust!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes until a nice dark crust forms on the bottom. Then, flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze some lemon juice over the shrimp just before eating for a zesty finish!
Enjoy your delicious, spicy Cajun Blackened Shrimp with rice, a salad, or crusty bread. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them first, either overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking for best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Cajun Spices?
If you don’t have Cajun spices on hand, you can make a simple substitute using equal parts of chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also try taco seasoning as an alternative for a different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cajun blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skillet while cooking the shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them to the pan a minute or two before adding the shrimp so they soften slightly before the shrimp gets cooked.
