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If you’re craving a burst of bold, smoky flavor wrapped around tender, juicy seafood, then you absolutely have to try this Blackened Shrimp Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of Cajun spices, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and buttery garlic that makes every bite sing with southern charm. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this dish comes together quickly and delivers incredible taste that feels like a special treat every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Blackened Shrimp Recipe just right starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the spicy seasoning mix to the fresh garlic that brightens the dish, making the final results irresistible.
- Shrimp (1 lb., 20/24 count, peeled and deveined): Using medium-large shrimp ensures a satisfying bite and cooks quickly.
- Cajun seasoning (2 Tbsp.): This spice blend brings the perfect balance of heat and smokiness essential for blackening.
- Brown sugar (2 tsp., packed): Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp., adjust to taste): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Butter (2 Tbsp.): Adds richness and helps create that irresistible golden sear.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Infuses the dish with fresh, aromatic depth in every mouthful.
- Lemon slices: Provide a bright, citrusy contrast perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note as a finishing touch.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they’re not already prepared. Whether you prefer the tails on or off is entirely up to you, but removing them makes the shrimp super easy to eat. Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel is an essential tip here—dry shrimp blackens beautifully instead of steaming in the pan, giving you that signature crust.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a small bowl, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt. This spice blend is the heart of the Blackened Shrimp Recipe, creating that characteristic smokiness paired with a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle the mixture over your shrimp and toss everything together until each shrimp is generously coated. This step guarantees every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Heat your butter in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat until melted. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 15 to 30 seconds until the scent fills your kitchen—this quick step unlocks a flavor base that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange your seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet to ensure even cooking. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before flipping to the other side, cooking an additional 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn opaque and their tails curl. This quick cooking phase locks in juiciness and creates the irresistible blackened crust.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your blackened shrimp with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of bright green color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon slices on the side imparts a refreshing zing that balances the smoky, rich seasoning perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Blackened Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider fluffy white rice or creamy grits for a southern-inspired meal. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement the spice with fresh, light textures that keep the dish balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lively twist, try serving the shrimp over warm corn tortillas with avocado and a drizzle of lime crema for an easy shrimp taco. Alternatively, toss them into a pasta with a garlic butter sauce or pile them atop a vibrant grain bowl for an eye-catching, flavorful meal that feels both gourmet and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover blackened shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snack additions. Remember to keep them separate from any wet ingredients to preserve the textures.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked blackened shrimp by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a flavorful meal fast, these frozen morsels will come to the rescue.
Reheating
To keep your shrimp juicy when reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or briefly microwave in short bursts. Be cautious not to overheat to avoid rubberiness. Adding a squeeze of lemon after reheating helps refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect blackened crust.
Is it necessary to use butter, or can I use oil instead?
Butter adds a rich flavor and helps create the delicious sear critical to this recipe. You can substitute olive oil or another oil, but the taste and browning may differ slightly.
How spicy is this Blackened Shrimp Recipe?
The Cajun seasoning provides moderate heat balanced by the brown sugar’s sweetness. If you prefer more or less spice, feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities to suit your palate.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling impart a lovely smoky flavor and works wonderfully for this recipe. Just be sure to oil the grill grates and keep an eye on the shrimp to prevent overcooking.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover blackened shrimp are fantastic tossed into salads, scrambled eggs, or pasta dishes to add excitement and flavor to your next meal.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, offering a perfect balance of bold spices, buttery richness, and fresh brightness. It’s fast enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for company, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something both comforting and exciting. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Blackened Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt, then sautéed with aromatic garlic in butter for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these spicy and slightly sweet shrimp offer a perfect balance of bold flavors with a hint of citrus and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb. shrimp (20/24 count per pound, peeled, deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp. packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
Cooking
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel, devein, and optionally remove tails from all shrimp. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with proper searing.
- Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, whisk together Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the shrimp and toss gently until all shrimp are well coated with the spice blend.
- Heat the Butter and Garlic: Place a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, then add finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 15–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–4 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and their tails curl up.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from heat and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh flavor finish.
Notes
- Make sure shrimp are dry before seasoning to get the best blackened crust.
- If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper works well.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and blackening.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
