15 Minute Blackened Shrimp Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
