If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavor and comes together in a flash, Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Perfectly tender shrimp get a smoky, spicy rub and a quick sear in a hot skillet, giving you those signature charred edges and juicy insides every time. Whether you pile them onto a salad, stuff them into tacos, or simply serve with lemon wedges for a satisfying appetizer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes—and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is that it’s all about powerful, simple ingredients working together. Each element adds a punch of flavor, a hint of smokiness, or a layer of texture that makes every bite absolutely crave-worthy.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for the perfect tender bite—keeping tails on or off is totally up to your preference.
- Olive oil: This ensures an even coating for the seasoning and helps create that gorgeous sear in the pan.
- Cajun seasoning: The backbone of this dish—choose your favorite blend for a complex, spicy kick.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory aroma that complements the shrimp.
- Onion powder: Mellows the heat and rounds out the savory flavors.
- Dried thyme: Infuses a bit of earthy, herbal fragrance to the spice mix.
- Dried oregano: Provides a whiff of Mediterranean flavor and a splash of green color.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the seasonings together and intensifying those natural shrimp flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle, peppery finish and just a touch of heat.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A fresh squeeze of lemon just before serving lifts all the flavors and brightens the final dish.
How to Make Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Step 1: Dry the Shrimp
Start by thoroughly patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture is the secret to getting that irresistible blackened crust, so don’t rush this step! Dry shrimp means the spices will stick properly and the shrimp will sear, not steam, in your hot pan.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp in Olive Oil
Place your shrimp in a mixing bowl and add the olive oil. Give everything a good toss to ensure each piece is nicely coated—this helps the seasonings adhere and contributes to a fantastic sear later on.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Spices
In a separate bowl, stir together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the shrimp, tossing well so every shrimp is evenly and generously covered in that beautiful rub.
Step 4: Sear in a Hot Pan
Heat a large skillet or, even better, a cast iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s almost smoking hot. Lay the shrimp in a single layer—no overlapping! Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn opaque with blackened edges. Watch closely; overcooking can make them rubbery, so as soon as they’re just done, it’s time to remove them from the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, plate your Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp immediately. If you love a little extra brightness, serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top. Each bite should have a bit of char, a punch of spice, and a mouthwatering juiciness that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that’s hard to beat. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a scattering of thinly sliced scallions delivers both color and crunch, while fresh lemon wedges bring a bright zing to balance the spices.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is its versatility—it shines alongside any number of sides. Classic rice, either white or a flavorful dirty rice, makes a perfect hearty pairing. You can also try it nestled among crisp greens, creamy coleslaw, or on top of buttery grits for a Southern spin. Love tacos? Pile the shrimp into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and an herby crema for a meal that always wows.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your shrimp game by threading them onto skewers for a festive appetizer or party platter. You can layer your Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp atop a bright corn salad for a gorgeous main dish, or serve them as a zesty protein addition on grain bowls or pasta. They’re also incredible spooned over avocado toast or tossed into your favorite hearty salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp left (which is a big “if” because they’re so tasty!), let them cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Their flavor actually deepens a bit overnight, making leftovers a welcome treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp if needed. Spread the cooked shrimp out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can turn rubbery. A quick, gentle heat will bring them back to life without sacrificing their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and dry the shrimp before seasoning and cooking. Removing excess moisture is key for that classic blackened crust.
How spicy is Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp?
This recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily amp up the heat with cayenne or dial it back by using a milder Cajun spice blend.
What type Main Course
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and delivers the best char, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Just make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the shrimp.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and spice mix in advance, then quickly cook just before serving. Cooked shrimp can be made a day ahead, but for the very best texture and flavor, they’re best served fresh and hot.
Is Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning blend does not contain any added flour or wheat-based additives—always check your spice labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how quickly and easily Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp delivers that wow factor—every bite is spicy, juicy, and downright delicious. If you’re ready to light up your dinner table with a new bold favorite, grab some shrimp and give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll fall in love!
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Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The shrimp are coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning mix and cooked until blackened and juicy. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a burst of citrusy flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the shrimp.
- Coat shrimp with olive oil: Toss shrimp in a bowl with olive oil.
- Mix Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Season shrimp: Sprinkle seasoning mixture over shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a skillet or cast iron pan, add shrimp in a single layer, cook 2-3 minutes per side until blackened and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from pan and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For spicier shrimp, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Serve with rice, salads, tacos, or as an appetizer.
- Pre-made Cajun seasoning can be used for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
