Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
With a homemade blend of bold and savory seasonings, this Blackened Shrimp recipe is simple to make! It’s ready in 10 minutes and the Cajun-inspired shrimp can be used for a variety of dishes like tacos or pasta, or served all on their own.
The bold flavor of blackened shrimp have been a favorite of mine for years, it’s one of my favorite shrimp recipes.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy: This recipe only takes 10 minutes to put together and is super simple to make!
- Packed with flavor: Thanks to a homemade seasoning blend, this shrimp is loaded with bold and mouthwatering savory flavors
- Versatile: Because it’s so easy to make, this shrimp is great for a weeknight meal but can also be served for an elegant sit down dinner with friends and family. You can use your shrimp for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, pasta dishes, and more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Jumbo Shrimp – I prefer peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, but peeling them yourself can be more affordable. Either way, use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and bite.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Adds brightness and balances the bold spices. Don’t skip it—this little splash of acid makes a big difference.
- Blackening Seasoning – A homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of brown sugar for that subtle caramelized crust.
Pro Tip: Making your own spice blend means you control the heat and flavor—no mystery fillers like store-bought versions.
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
Expert Tips:
- Control the spice level: For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or leave it out entirely. Want it hotter? Add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or extra cayenne.
- Frozen shrimp works too: Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to help them blacken properly.
- Short on time? You can use pre-made blackening seasoning from the store, but making your own gives you full control over the flavor and salt content.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry Before Seasoning: Removing excess moisture helps the spice blend adhere better to the shrimp, ensuring a more flavorful and evenly cooked result.
- Add more depth: Toss in a little smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky finish, or add lemon zest for extra brightness.
- If you use pre-cooked shrimp, cook only for 30 seconds on each side so you don’t overcook them!
How to Make Blackened Shrimp
Step 1: Make Cajun seasoning blend. Combine all seasonings in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season shrimp. Toss shrimp in seasoning blend until fully coated.
Step 3: Cook shrimp. Heat oil in a skillet and add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and serve. Flip the shrimp and cook another minute or two, then add garnishes to your liking and serve.
Serve with
I like to serve them in lettuce wraps for a low-carb lunch or dinner, but you can also add them to pasta! Here are some more suggestions:
- I love serving the blackened shrimp with Avocado Risotto for a creamy, rich side that balances out the bold flavors of the shrimp.
- A refreshing Little Gems Salad pairs perfectly with blackened shrimp, adding a light crunch that complements the savory shrimp.
- For a hearty option, try serving them alongside crispy Small Potatoes that soak up all the delicious spices.
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is a great side for blackened shrimp, offering a zesty, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s heat.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
- Lemon Orzo Salad With Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Sheet Pan Shrimp
- Hawaiian Shrimp Taco Bowl
- Creamy Basil Pesto Shrimp Pasta
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- One Pan Garlic Spaghetti and Shrimp
- Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
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Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, more for cooking
- 1 lime, juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, for garnish
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt, if you sub this for garlic powder, just be sure to add a pinch of salt to the mixture
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic salt, and onion powder in a small mixing bowl.2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic salt,, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 tablespoon paprika
- Toss the shrimp and olive oil together in a large mixing bowl. Then add the blackened seasoning and mix until the shrimp are fully coated.1 pound jumbo shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil,
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan and heat on medium-high until the pan is hot. Lay the shrimp flat on a pan without overlapping them and cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook 2-3 more minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked.When finished, transfer the shrimp to a plate and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Serve them as shrimp tacos, rice bowls, or on their own with some roasted vegetables!1 lime,, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro,
Video
Notes
- This is the enameled cast iron skillet I use and love!
- This cast iron skillet is a really good affordable option.
- To bake your spicy shrimp, pre-heat the oven to 400 F, spread the shrimp out on a foiled baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are opaque. Make sure you adjust the time based on the size of your shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: For the best sear and caramelization, cook the shrimp in a single layer. If needed, work in batches.
- Shrimp cook FAST: Overcooking can make them rubbery. You’re looking for a nice opaque color and curled shape—usually 1–2 minutes per side is perfect.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
A typical blackened spice blend is made up of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, brown sugar, black pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, and dried oregano. If you make your own spice blend, you can store it in a jar like these ones for later use!
Absolutely! If you’re grilling them, you might want to use these grill-safe skewers that make flipping the shrimp easy so you don’t lose any between the grates. They’ll just need a couple of minutes of grilling on each side.
Pop your shrimp in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer, in the oven at 350, or in a skillet with a light spritz of oil. You can microwave them in a pinch, but they might end up a little rubbery or tough.
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