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15-Minute Blackened Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

This 15 Minute Blackened Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a bold, smoky blackening seasoning and quickly seared to perfection in a hot cast iron skillet. The seasoning blend combines smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful crust that’s complemented by optional butter and garlic for extra richness. Perfectly cooked in just minutes, these spicy shrimp make an excellent addition to tacos, salads, wraps, and more, delivering a quick, delicious meal with a punch of Cajun-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Blackening Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds shrimp (at least 31–35 size, peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or other high heat oil)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, optional)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)

To Serve (Optional)

  • 1 lemon (for serving)
  • 1 fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, regular paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a good sear. Coat the shrimp evenly with the prepared blackening seasoning mix to ensure every bite is flavorful. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for searing.
  3. Sear the Shrimp: Add avocado oil to the preheated skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface completely. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they become just opaque and develop a flavorful crust.
  4. Finish with Butter and Garlic: During the last minute of cooking, add softened butter and minced garlic to the pan if using. Stir carefully to coat all shrimp with the melted butter and garlic mixture, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove shrimp from the heat once done. If you cooked in multiple batches, return all shrimp to the pan and toss them together in the butter and garlic mixture for even flavor.
  5. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately as a flavorful protein addition to tacos, pasta, wraps, salads, sandwiches, enchiladas, or rice bowls.

Notes

  • For best results, use a cast iron skillet to achieve a good sear and blackening effect.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
  • The butter and garlic finishing step is optional but adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • Serve immediately to maintain the shrimp’s perfect texture and flavor.
  • This recipe works well with various serving options such as tacos, salads, or rice bowls.

Keywords: blackened shrimp, Cajun shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp, skillet shrimp, 15 minute shrimp, easy dinner, seafood, blackening seasoning

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/15-minute-blackened-shrimp-recipe/