Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Juicy Blackened Shrimp (Easy 10 Minute Recipe) cooked in garlic butter with bold Cajun spices. A quick 10-minute shrimp recipe with the perfect smoky crust every time.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika smoked or sweet
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the Blackening Seasoning: If you haven’t already made the seasoning in bulk, prepare it now. In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme until well combined. Set aside. Use 2 tablespoons for this recipe and save the rest in an airtight container to try my blackened chicken and blackened cod recipes.
- Season the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons, or to taste, of the blackening seasoning over the shrimp and toss until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot, but not smoking. This high heat helps create that signature blackened crust.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a dark, flavorful crust.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat slightly. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan and toss the shrimp in the melted butter for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry shrimp well – moisture prevents the crust from forming.
- Use a hot pan – blackening happens when spices toast quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
- Cook quickly – shrimp only need about 2 minutes per side.
- Add garlic at the end – prevents burning.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 1570mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1316IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg
