These perfectly blackened shrimp are packed with bold flavors and a smoky, spicy kick. They cook up in just minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Serve them with rice, vegetables, or even in tacos for a delicious and effortless meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 11 minutes
- Packed with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors
- Versatile—serve with rice, veggies, or in tacos
- Perfect for meal prep and healthy eating
- Requires only simple pantry spices
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- Lemon Garlic: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving for a citrusy twist.
- Smokier Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Cajun-Style: Add a bit of brown sugar to balance out the heat with some sweetness.
- Grilled Version: Cook the shrimp on a grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
What can I serve with blackened shrimp?
They pair well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, tacos, or even pasta.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but the shrimp won’t blacken as well. Reduce cooking time to just warming them up.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and slightly charred.
Can I bake blackened shrimp instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a kick, but you can reduce the cayenne pepper to make it milder.
Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Try this seasoning on chicken, salmon, or tofu.
What’s the best type of shrimp to use?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best since they hold up well to high heat.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, butter adds extra richness and flavor.
How can I make it a full meal?
Serve with a side of rice, beans, and avocado slices for a complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
This easy blackened shrimp recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something bold and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal!
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Easy Blackened Shrimp
This Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe is packed with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, making it a quick and delicious meal option. Ready in just 11 minutes, these perfectly seasoned shrimp can be served with rice, veggies, tacos, or salads for a flavorful and effortless dish. Perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner!
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred.
- Serve immediately with rice, roasted vegetables, or in tacos.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- For a citrusy twist, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- To make it Cajun-style, add a little brown sugar for a sweet-spicy balance.
- For grilling, cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
