Description

This Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe offers a bold and smoky flavor with minimal effort. Using a blend of aromatic spices and a quick skillet cooking method, this dish can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or flavorful appetizers. The shrimp are coated in a deeply flavorful blackening seasoning, cooked to juicy perfection, and served with fresh lemon and optional parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Blackening Seasoning

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking & Garnish

2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This mix forms the flavorful blackening seasoning for the shrimp.
Season the Shrimp: Pat the large shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle the blackening seasoning evenly over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat all sides thoroughly.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil is hot but not smoking, which will help achieve the perfect sear on the shrimp.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Serve: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp in the blackening seasoning with a little olive oil for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
This shrimp pairs well served over rice, tossed in a fresh salad, or wrapped in a tortilla for quick tacos.
Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American