Description
This quick and easy Blackened Shrimp recipe combines bold Cajun spices with succulent shrimp, perfectly seared in a skillet for a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish ready in just 15 minutes. Ideal as an appetizer or main course, it pairs beautifully with a tangy remoulade sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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 Fat
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Sauce
- Remoulade sauce: mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, capers, horseradish (quantities as preferred for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder to create the seasoning blend for the shrimp.
- Season the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice mixture, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink and develop a charred, blackened exterior.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the shrimp from heat and serve them right away with optional remoulade sauce on the side for dipping, or incorporate into your favorite dish as desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure shrimp cook evenly and develop a proper blackened crust.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the level of heat according to your taste preference.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
- Remoulade sauce can be customized by adding fresh herbs or lemon juice for extra zing.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or greens for a complete meal.
