Blackened Shrimp
Some recipes are more than just meals; they’re moments shared, memories made, and love expressed in the simplest, tastiest ways. That’s exactly how I feel about this Blackened Shrimp recipe. It started as a spur-of-the-moment dinner idea one weeknight, but it quickly became a family favorite. The rich, smoky aroma of the blackened spices, combined with the buttery, charred shrimp, brought everyone to the table—and kept them coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Even my picky eater, who is notoriously shrimp-averse, couldn’t resist. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for those busy nights when you still want to serve something delicious and homemade.
What makes this dish so special is its versatility. It works equally well as an appetizer for a gathering, a main dish with a side of rice or salad, or even tucked into tacos for a fun twist. The bold Cajun flavors are irresistible, and the slight char from the skillet adds an extra layer of depth that’s hard to beat. Every time I serve this dish, I’m reminded of how food has the power to bring us together, even during the busiest of weeks. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a hit in my household. Ready to give it a go? Let’s get cooking!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly.
What’s the best skillet to use? A cast-iron skillet is ideal for getting that perfect char, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
Is this dish spicy? It has a kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using less Cajun seasoning or adding a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
Can I make this ahead of time? Blackened Shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and seasoning mix ahead of time to save minutes.
What can I serve with it? This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic butter rice, a crisp green salad, or even some warm, crusty bread to soak up the buttery goodness.
What You Need to Make Blackened Shrimp:
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Tools:
Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet
Tongs or spatula
Paper towels (to pat shrimp dry)
How to Make Blackened Shrimp:
Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they cook evenly and get that nice char.
Season Generously: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
Heat the Skillet: Place your skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and lightly charred.
Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the shrimp, letting it sizzle and coat them evenly.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best Blackened Shrimp:
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cooking the shrimp in batches ensures they sear properly instead of steaming.
Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to your Cajun mix for extra flavor.
Watch the heat: Medium-high is the sweet spot. Too hot, and the spices can burn; too low, and you’ll miss out on the char.
Use fresh shrimp if possible: While frozen works fine, fresh shrimp give the dish an even brighter flavor.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight! My kids devoured it, and it was so quick and easy to make.” – Sarah L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious! The Cajun seasoning was perfect, though next time I might add a bit more butter for an even richer flavor.” – Mark D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for a dinner party, and everyone asked for the recipe. A total crowd-pleaser!” – Emily K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great flavors, but I’ll use a little less seasoning next time. It was a bit too spicy for me.” – Jenny R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for taco night! Added some avocado and salsa, and it was a hit.” – Carlos M.
Printable Recipe:
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Blackened Shrimp
This Blackened Shrimp recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dish for busy weeknights or entertaining. Juicy shrimp are coated in bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and finished with a drizzle of melted butter for an unforgettable flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or taco filling!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- Tools:
- Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels (to pat shrimp dry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they cook evenly and get that nice char.
- Season Generously: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
- Heat the Skillet: Place your skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and lightly charred.
- Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the shrimp, letting it sizzle and coat them evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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