These Cajun Blackened Shrimp are packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick! Marinated in zesty spices, they get perfectly crispy and charred when cooked.
They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. I love serving them on top of rice or in tacos, and trust me, they disappear fast! 🌶️🐟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp work just fine; just make sure to thaw them completely. You can also use other seafood like scallops or fish if you’d like a change!
Olive Oil or Butter: I usually go for olive oil for a healthier choice, but melted butter adds a rich taste. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil.
Cajun Seasoning: The blend of spices is crucial! If you don’t have smoked paprika, just use regular paprika. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the shrimp.
Lemon: Fresh lemon wedges are perfect for serving! If you’re out of lemons, lime juice works too. It brightens up the dish nicely.
How Can I Get That Perfect Blackened Crust?
Getting a good blackened crust on the shrimp is key to this dish. The high heat from the skillet should sear the spices perfectly. Here’s how:
- Preheat your skillet well—medium-high heat is essential. A hot pan helps develop that crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. If they’re too packed, they’ll steam rather than blacken.
- Once in the pan, let them cook without moving them for about 2 minutes. This helps form a solid crust.
- Flip them gently to ensure you keep that nice crust on both sides.
Following these steps will help you achieve that delicious blackened effect. Enjoy your cooking!
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 oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes of prep time and about 5 minutes for cooking. So, in just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious and flavorful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and white pepper. This blend is the star of the dish!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Take the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that lovely blackened crust. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the olive oil or melted butter over them. Toss to coat all the shrimp nicely.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Now sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss them again until every shrimp is well coated with the spice mixture. The more seasoning, the better!
4. Heat the Pan:
Grab a heavy cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. This step is important for that crispy, blackened effect.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
If your pan needs it, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Then, place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes without moving them, so they can develop that perfect blackened crust.
6. Flip and Finish:
After 2 minutes, gently flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through. You want them to be juicy inside with a nice charred outside.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve right away with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp, enhancing all those yummy flavors!
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, crusty bread, or can be topped on salads or tacos. Enjoy the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of Cajun Blackened Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you prefer, you can use melted butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil. Both will still give your shrimp a delicious flavor, with butter adding a nice richness.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix or add a splash of hot sauce. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne or leave it out entirely—you’ll still have great flavor without the heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp further.
