Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a fiery and flavorful dish that’s quick to make! Juicy shrimp are coated in a special blend of spices and cooked until they’re perfectly charred. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish. Just toss the shrimp with spices, sear them in a hot pan, and enjoy! Pair it with rice or salad for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large raw shrimp work best here, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use medium shrimp or even frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them well before cooking!
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could substitute olive oil for butter, but the flavor might be slightly different.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but the smokiness will be missing. Adjust cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance – it can pack quite a punch!
Olive Oil: This helps with cooking the shrimp without burning the butter. You could also use avocado oil for a nicer flavor and a higher smoke point.
How Do You Get the Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Blackening shrimp is all about that hot skillet and timing. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a hot skillet; cast iron is ideal because it retains heat well.
- Make sure the shrimp are dry before coating them in butter. This helps them sear nicely.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Let the shrimp sit for a couple of minutes to let the spices caramelize. This forms that tasty crust.
- Once flipped, they only need another minute or so – overcooking will make them rubbery.
Enjoy these blackened shrimp with a squeeze of lemon to really brighten up the flavors! Pair them with rice, or toss them in a salad for a lovely meal.
Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh lettuce or greens for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 5 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty meal in just 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cajun Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. This mix is what will give your shrimp that amazing Cajun flavor!
2. Get Your Shrimp Ready:
Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry. This will help the seasoning stick better and ensure they get that perfect blackened crust.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Toss your shrimp in the melted butter, ensuring that each piece is nicely coated. This not only adds flavor but helps the spices stick!
4. Season the Shrimp:
Sprinkle your prepared Cajun spice mix over the shrimp. Toss everything together so that all the shrimp are covered evenly with the delicious spices.
5. Heat the Pan:
In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot but not smoking before you add the shrimp.
6. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them. Cook them for about 2 minutes without moving them. This helps to create that lovely blackened crust!
7. Flip the Shrimp:
Carefully flip each shrimp to the other side and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp become opaque and are fully cooked. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking!
8. Serve it Up:
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and arrange them on a serving plate. They pair beautifully with fresh greens for a pop of color!
9. Garnish:
Top with fresh lettuce or greens. Serve with lemon wedges – a squeeze of lemon will add a refreshing touch to the spicy shrimp!
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your spicy, smoky Cajun blackened shrimp! It goes wonderfully with rice, grits, or a crisp salad for a wholesome meal.
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before you start. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in the spice mix. You can also replace them with paprika for flavor without the heat.
What Should I Serve with Cajun Blackened Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it over rice, alongside grits, or with a fresh mixed salad. It also goes great in tacos or wraps for a delicious twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Cajun Blackened Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.