Description
This Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy seafood dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Coated in a bold blend of Cajun spices and seared to perfection in a hot skillet, the shrimp develop a delicious charred crust while staying juicy inside. Served with a tangy remoulade sauce, this dish works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Spice Mix
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Sauce
- Remoulade sauce – mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, capers, horseradish (quantities to preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning and coat the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder. Add the raw peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spice blend.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink and start to char, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and blackened.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately. Optionally, provide remoulade sauce made from mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, capers, and horseradish for dipping to complement the spicy flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or thawed shrimp that are thoroughly dried before seasoning to ensure even blackening.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or over a salad for a complete meal.
- The remoulade sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast but the shrimp can also be enjoyed alone or with other dipping sauces.
