Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a spicy and tasty dish that brings a bit of flair to your meal! The shrimp are coated in a bold blend of Cajun spices, then expertly seared to a perfect crust.
I love how quick and easy this dish is to whip up. Just a few minutes in the pan and you’re ready to enjoy a dinner that’s full of flavor and heat. Perfect for a fun night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp is a great alternative—just be sure to thaw them properly beforehand. You can also use shrimp with tails on for presentation.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using melted butter for a richer flavor, but olive oil is a healthier choice. You could also try other oils like avocado, which is great for high heat cooking.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives that deep, smoky flavor typical of Cajun cuisine. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. For heat, you can adjust the cayenne pepper or use hot sauce for a different kick.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice touch of color and freshness. If you’re out, feel free to skip it or substitute with green onions for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Getting that perfect blackened crust is all about the heat and technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a very hot skillet—this helps to create that amazing crust. A cast-iron skillet is my go-to, but any heavy-bottom pan will work.
- Don’t crowd the pan! If the shrimp are too close, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- After cooking the shrimp on one side until a crust forms, flip them carefully to keep that crust intact. They should be opaque and firm when done.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously blackened shrimp every time!
Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 5-6 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal for entertaining guests. In total, you’ll be ready to serve this delicious dish in just about 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important; it helps achieve that desirable sear. If there’s too much moisture, the shrimp will steam instead of blacken.
2. Make the Cajun Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and optional white pepper. This spice mix is where the magic happens, giving the shrimp their bold flavor!
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Toss the dried shrimp in a mixing bowl with olive oil or melted butter until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-covered on all sides with that delicious spice blend.
4. Heat the Pan:
Heat up a cast-iron skillet or a heavy frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. You want that skillet to be sizzling when the shrimp hit the pan! If it’s not hot enough, the shrimp won’t blacken properly.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so that each shrimp gets that perfect crust. You’re usually better off cooking in batches if needed.
6. Achieve the Perfect Crust:
Let the shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until you see a dark, flavorful crust forming. Don’t rush this—great flavor takes time!
7. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are firm to the touch. They should be perfectly cooked and full of bold flavor.
8. Serve Up Your Dish:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The squeeze of lemon will really enhance the flavors!
Enjoy your bold, spicy, and perfectly blackened Cajun shrimp! They make a great dish on their own or can be served with rice, salad, or in tacos.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to avoid any excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! While the combination of spices gives the best flavor, you can substitute with a Cajun seasoning blend if you have it on hand. For a simplified version, using just smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt can still yield tasty results.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar when cooking to balance the heat and provide a slight sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cajun blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
