Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

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With a homemade blend of bold and savory seasonings, this Blackened Shrimp recipe is beyond 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.

blackened shrimp with sweet potatoes and guacamole

Reasons You’ll Love this 10 Minute Blackened Shrimp Recipe

I love shrimp and make them at least once a week because they are easy to make and cook super quick. There is always a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer in case I need to whip up a quick healthy dinner.

The bold flavor of blackened shrimp have been a favorite of mine for years, it’s one of my favorite shrimp recipes.

  • 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!

What is Blackened Shrimp?

The concept of blackening or blackened food is a Southern cooking technique used to add bold flavors to fish, shrimp, chicken and other food. The mixture of spices create this bold flavor, and this technique is often used in Cajun cuisine to create a beautiful blackened crust.

Using a spatula to stir a skillet of blackened shrimp.

Blackened Shrimp Ingredients

You can make these delicious shrimp with just a few ingredients, and I bet you already have most of them in your pantry!

Labeled ingredients for blackened shrimp.

All you need for this recipe is:

  • Jumbo Shrimp: I like to buy peeled and deveined shrimp for easier prep, but a more affordable option would be to peel and de-vein them yourself.
  • Fresh Lime: Using fresh lime juice is the best way to balance out the savory flavors with refreshing citrus.
  • Spices: Blackened seasoning is made with garlic salt and black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme and dried oregano. Add some brown sugar for some rich sweetness. Alternatively, you can purchase blacken seasoning, this one is great!

How to Make the Best Blackened Shrimp

This recipe makes the most delicious blackened shrimp! They cook quickly, so they’re an awesome protein to make on a weeknight when you get home late from work or any time you’re in a hurry. These shrimp will cook in about 5 minutes.

6-step collage showing how to make blackened shrimp.
  1. Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend: Combine the spices for the blackening seasoning in a small bowl.
  2. Prepare Shrimp: Clean your raw shrimp by peeling and deveining them (if they’re not already). If you aren’t sure how to do this, watch this video. Then, add the shrimp to a large bowl.
  3. Season Shrimp: Add spices to the shrimp and toss until they are fully coated. You can use as much or as little seasoning as you like. If you have leftover blacken seasoning, you can store it in a jar like this one. I always like to keep some on hand because I use it so much!
  4. Cook Shrimp: Next, lay the seasoned shrimp in a cast iron skillet or non stick pan, being careful not to overlap or overcrowd the pan. If the pan is overcrowded, the shrimp won’t cook evenly or get a nice crisp.
  5. Finish and Serve: Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side and use a good pair of tongs when flipping. Then transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and serve!

How to Make Blackened Seasoning

Blackened seasoning is so easy to make and most people have all the ingredients in their spice cabinet. The best part about making it at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to get the seasoning perfect for your palate. If you like it hotter, add some extra heat, if you like it sweeter, add some extra sugar. Make it your own!

Overhead view of a skillet full of blackened shrimp.

This recipe makes a larger batch so you can store it and have it on hand next time you are ready to blacken shrimp, fish, or chicken.

To make this homemade blackening seasoning, combine:

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt (you can sub this for garlic powder, just make sure you add salt too)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • a pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • a pinch of onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

I like to store my custom seasoning blends in jars like these. They’re great for sauces and dressings too!

Overhead view of lettuce wraps with blackened shrimp.

Can I Grill these Shrimp?

You can grill or bake these blackened shrimp. If you’re grilling them, you might want to use grill-safe skewers that make flipping the shrimp easy so you don’t lose any between the grates.

If you’re baking 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.

What to Serve with Blackened Shrimp

The possibilities are endless! I added them to this creamy Avocado Risotto and it was delicious! The creaminess of the avocado pairs perfectly with the bold flavor of the shrimp. You can even add them to salads like this Toasted Farro Salad or this Easy Green Salad. The vinaigrette in that green salad recipe is TO DIE FOR.

A plate with lettuce wraps filled with blackened shrimp.

Here are a few other recipes I love to pair them with:

Blackened shrimp lettuce wraps on a plate.
Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but I recommend letting it thaw before cooking it. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven heating and it’ll take longer as well!

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Using pre cooked shrimp is a little risky, since you have to cook the shrimp with the seasoning to give it that nice savory, blackened flavor. You can try seasoning pre-cooked shrimp and cooking it, but you may not get the full flavor of the seasoning mix.

How can I adjust the spice level in blacken seasoning?

The main perpetrator when it comes to spiciness in the seasoning is the cayenne pepper, so feel free to use more or less depending on your taste. If you like spicy foods, you can also add some red pepper flakes or chili powder.

Is Blackened Seasoning Whole30 Compliant?

If you are using this recipe, just omit the sugar from the blackening spice blend, and it will be compliant to the Whole30 diet. If you are using a store bought seasoning, be sure to check the label or use this Whole30 compliant blackened seasoning.

Add these shrimp to lettuce wraps, top them with pineapple and cilantro, and boom you’ve got yourself some delicious Whole30 approved blackened shrimp tacos!

The trick to making them perfectly is to get the pan nice and hot before adding the shrimp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, because the heat won’t transfer properly throughout the pan.

Can I Meal Prep Blackened Shrimp?

Blackened shrimp are a great protein to meal prep with. They don’t give off a fishy smell when you heat them in the microwave and they taste great several days after making them.

If you’re meal prepping with them, check out these BPA free glass meal prep containers.

Close up of a skillet filled with blackened shrimp.

Expert Tips

  • This shrimp can be served on its own or used as a topping for salads and rice bowls, a filling for tacos or burritos, or with your favorite pasta.
  • Before adding the oil and spices, pat the shrimp dry with some paper towels so everything adheres better.
  • Cook the shrimp in batches if your skillet isn’t quite large enough. If they’re overcrowded they won’t cook as evenly.
  • Sear in a super hot pan or hot skillet for just a few minutes on each side–this will prevent the shrimp from overcooking but still allow the seasoning to develop its rich and bold flavor.
  • Garnish with cilantro, green onions,

Looking for more shrimp recipes? Try these:

Want to Try these Blackened Shrimp?

PIN IT to your shrimp, seafood, or dinner recipes board to save it for later!
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blackened shrimp pinterest long pin

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4.74 from 38 votes

Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Ready in 10 minutes, this super easy Blackened Shrimp is packed with flavor! Make your own seasoning blend or buy one premade for easy prep.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Servings: 5
Calories: 140
Author: Jordan

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

Instructions

  • Combine all blackened seasoning ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
  • Toss shrimp and olive oil together in a large mixing bowl. Then add the blackened seasoning and mix until shrimp are fully coated.
  • 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 shrimp flat on pan without overlapping them and cook for 3-4 minute, 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 in tacos, rice bowls, or on their own with some roasted vegetables!
If you tried this recipe, please leave a review letting me know how it was!

Video

Notes

Keywords: Blackened shrimp, Cajun recipe, Easy shrimp recipe, Shrimp

Nutrition

Serving: 0g | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 228mg | Sodium: 706mg | Potassium: 72mg | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1.9mg
Nutrition information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
Tried this recipe?I’d love to see your dish, mention @jzeats or tag #jzeats!

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4.74 from 38 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




42 Comments

  1. What a tasty addition to any meal or just on their own! Delish!

  2. YUM! These shrimps look so delicious! Such a great idea for dinner!

  3. chezlerevefrancais says:

    I could eat shrimp everyday so I’ll be making these! They look so delicious too.

  4. These look incredibly flavorful! And I love how easy the recipe is.

  5. Shrimp is also a go to easy dinner in our house! This looks like a great way to favor them!

  6. Looks so delicious and perfect for a quick dinner. I love shrimps!

  7. This looks so great for a meal prepping!

  8. 5 stars
    This was the BEST easy shrimp recipe ever and tasted delicious. I used it for tacos with a spritz of lime juice. Will totally make it again.

  9. Stephanie Tamburrino says:

    5 stars
    Best shrimp recipe ever! So versatile and flavorful. Definitely becoming a weekly thing in the house! ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Rissa Goldstein says:

    Best shrimp recipe ever! Absolute genius

  11. Hilary Stanmyer says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I always use the same recipe every time I cook shrimp! This was a great switch up!

  12. 5 stars
    Yum!!!! This was so amazing and so good! Keeping this one handy for those busy summer nights to come! Thank you!

  13. Jess Reedy says:

    5 stars
    Amazing Shrimp recipe!!

  14. Barbara Gambert says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! And so easy! Looks beautiful on top of the Harvest Salad or risotto! Something to make over and over!

  15. Carrie Robinson says:

    5 stars
    This looks so delicious and flavorful! ๐Ÿ™‚ Definitely adding this to my weekly dinner rotation soon. ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. 5 stars
    This Blackened Shrimp recipe was amazing! I’m definitely making this again soon!

  17. Annie @ Annie's Noms says:

    5 stars
    This looks fabulous! I love how quick and easy shrimp are to make and they always taste amazing. They’re my husbands favourite too!

  18. 5 stars
    These shrimp are unbelievably good! Easy, affordable, and full of flavor – that’s my kind of recipe!

  19. 5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was so good and easy to make! Definitely going to make this again!

  20. 5 stars
    This recipe was DELICIOUS! Definitely adding it to our dinner rotation. The recipe was easy to follow and accurate. Thank you!!

  21. 5 stars
    5 stars for sure!! This was super easy to make for dinner tonight and it got rave reviews – and a request to make again soon! Thank you!!!!

    1. Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.

  22. 5 stars
    This is THE BEST bLackened shrimp recipe that I have ever had!!!! Love It!!!!

  23. 5 stars
    Super easy and flavorful. I served it Ober a southwest salad. Great weeknight meal.

  24. 5 stars
    Wow, these shrimps look amazing. I never tried blackened shrimps before. I’m saving this recipe on my list to try.

  25. kushigalu says:

    My family loves shrimp. I will make this recipe soon.

  26. 5 stars
    I made this for family and it was a real winner! Thank you for another great recipe!

  27. 5 stars
    We have shrimp a few times a week too. Will definitely be adding this blackened shrimp recipe to the mix. The shrimp really do look terrific!

  28. 5 stars
    These blackened shrimp are so full of those delicious Cajun spices. Will try on avocado toast next time.Very yummy!

  29. Michelle Vanessa Kalapala says:

    can you use frozen shrimp?

    1. I have not cooked my shrimp from frozen in the air fryer, but I hear that you can. It would be difficult to season frozen shrimp, however, because the seasonings won’t stick to them as well.

  30. Have made these a few times. They are absolutely delicious!! One question- if cooked in oven will that change the taste or texture? I put them on pasta Alfredo or creamy grits.

    1. They should do fine in the oven! They may not get as crisp as in the pan, but if you have an air fryer they cook really well in there.

  31. 5 stars
    These are delicious. Made shrimp Alfredo. Would recommend pan frying them as opposed to oven. Much better taste!!!

  32. Ryan Allen says:

    5 stars
    These blacked shrimp were the best I have ever had. They definitely will be going in the weekly dinner rotation.

  33. Made these for a group of 13 . I thought they were horrible.

    1. Hope the rest of the group enjoyed ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. 5 stars
        This recipe was SO GOOD! My husband and I really enjoyed the dish. Iโ€™ve made it a couple of times now and it will be in rotation!

      2. Thank you!!!