15 Minute Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Blackened shrimp is a spicy, flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With a bold homemade seasoning and quick searing, it’s perfect for a tasty weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil until well combined to make the blackening seasoning. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
3. Step 3: Coat the shrimp evenly with the blackening seasoning mixture. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Add the avocado oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Cook shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and have a nice blackened crust.
6. Step 6: If using, add the softened butter and minced garlic to the pan during the last minute of cooking. Stir to coat the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute more.
7. Step 7: Remove shrimp from heat. If you cooked in batches, return all shrimp to the pan and toss with the butter and garlic mixture to combine evenly.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy on tacos, pasta, wraps, salads, sandwiches, enchiladas, or rice bowls.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the seasoning mix.
• If you don’t have avocado oil, use another high smoke point oil like grapeseed or canola oil.
• Use frozen shrimp thawed and patted dry if fresh shrimp isn’t available.
• Adding the butter and garlic at the end adds richness but is optional if you prefer a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store leftover blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking and drying them out. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be added cold to salads or wraps.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to get the best sear and flavor.

What can I serve with blackened shrimp?

Blackened shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, salads, or inside tacos and wraps. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley brighten the dish beautifully.

15 Minute Blackened Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 146 reviews

This 15 Minute Blackened Shrimp recipe features shrimp coated in a flavorful homemade blackening seasoning and quickly seared in a hot cast iron skillet. Perfectly spiced and tender, these shrimp make an easy and versatile protein to serve over tacos, salads, wraps, or rice bowls, enhanced with optional garlic butter, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Blackening Seasoning

• 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

Shrimp

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

Instructions

1. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the blackening seasoning—paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil—until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
2. Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote a good sear. Evenly coat the shrimp with the blackening seasoning mixture. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for searing.
3. Sear Shrimp: Add avocado oil to the hot skillet, swirling to coat the surface. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer—work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a nice crust.
4. Finish with Butter & Garlic: During the last minute of cooking each batch, add the softened butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly and allow the garlic to soften and infuse flavor, cooking for about 1 minute. Remove shrimp from the heat once done.
5. Combine Batches: If you cooked multiple batches, return all shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the butter and garlic mixture to combine flavors thoroughly.
6. Serve: Sprinkle the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately over tacos, pasta, wraps, salads, sandwiches, enchiladas, or rice bowls for a flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve the best sear and flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
• Ensure shrimp are dry before seasoning to get a better crust.
• Butter and garlic are optional but add richness and aroma.
• Serve freshly cooked for best texture and flavor.
• Works well with any peeled and deveined shrimp size, but smaller shrimp cook faster.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.

Keywords: blackened shrimp, shrimp recipe, quick shrimp, spicy shrimp, skillet shrimp, easy dinner, Cajun shrimp, shrimp tacos