How to make the best Cajun-flavored blackened shrimp! It’s quick to prepare on the grill or stovetop for an easy and healthy dinner.
Here’s a way to cook shrimp that will keep you coming back to: blackened shrimp! Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique that focuses on Spices. Pair the homemade blackened spice with grilled or seared shrimp, and you have a blend of savory, vegetal, and savory flavors that makes it irresistible! You can grill it or cook it on the stovetop, making it suitable for easy weeknight meals or BBQ dinners on the patio.
What is blackening?
First, what blackens? It may seem like a color issue from the outside (darkened), but that’s only part! Blackening is a style of cooking in a cast-iron skillet with special seasonings until the outside is crisp and blackened. It’s a Cajun-style technique popularized by Louisiana celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme.
Chef Paul created a blackened redfish recipe that took the world by storm in this 1980s cookbook. Since then, thousands of Cajun and Creole cooks have been influenced by his cooking style. Technology has shifted from fish to shellfish, meat and poultry. Key to it all is the blackened spice, a blend of spices used to achieve that Cajun flavor.
Homemade Blackened Seasoning: What You Need!
This blackened shrimp recipe uses our homemade blackened seasoning to add Cajun flavor to the shrimp. That might sound harsh, but it’s more about the complexity of the ingredients and the nuances of the flavors. If you’re looking for a spicy Cajun hit, use our Cajun Seasoning instead. Here are the ingredients you need for the blackened spice:
- Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- oregano
- celery seed
- pimento
- cloves
- cayenne
- salt and black pepper
How to Make Blackened Shrimp: Grill or Skillet!
This blackened shrimp recipe can be made a number of ways: on the grill or on the stovetop! In any case, you want to get a nice, blackened char on the outside. Here’s a little more about each:
- Fried shrimp: Cooking this way is very classic: especially if you use a cast iron pan! You should heat the pan very hot and keep the shrimp in a single layer so each is charred. Don’t overload the pan!
- Grilled Shrimp: This method picks up blackened char easily from the grill and adds some smoke to the flavor. It’s a little easier than the hot plate method and great for summer.
Variation: Try the Spicy Cajun Shrimp
This blackened shrimp is pretty mild: it’s not loaded with heat! Although there is some cayenne pepper in the spice blend, it’s not too noticeable on this shrimp. If you want it to be spicy shrimp, you can do one of two things:
- Double the cayenne in the blackened seasoning. It brings more heat to the party.
- Try the Cajun seasoning instead. Use 1 tablespoon of our Cajun Seasoning and it has a nice burn on the back.
Best Shrimp: Frozen or Fresh?
Frozen or fresh shrimp will work for these blackened shrimp. In fact, frozen shrimp can sometimes be even fresher if frozen as they are caught. Alex and I try to keep a bag of frozen foods handy for quick and easy dinner recipes. The only difficult thing about frozen shrimp is… you have to take the time to thaw them! Here are some options depending on when you think about it:
- The previous day: Place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- day of: Place frozen shrimp in a large bowl of very cold water. Shake the bowl every 5 minutes to break up clumps of frozen shrimp. Shrimp should be defrosted in about 15 minutes.
What to serve with blackened shrimp
Looking to make a meal of blackened shrimp? Here are some ideas for serving. While not all are authentically Cajun, they work for an easy and healthy dinner:
This blackened shrimp recipe is…
Pescetarian, gluten free and dairy free
The description
How to make the best Cajun-flavored blackened shrimp! It’s quick to prepare on the grill or stovetop for an easy and healthy dinner.
- 1 tap large shrimp, cut tail and devein (we like 26–30 per book size)
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons blackened spices*
- lemon, to serve
- Defrost shrimp. Then pat the shrimp dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Place shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with blackened spice. Shuffle with your hands to combine.
- Grill method: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees). Place the shrimp directly on the rack and grill 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Stovetop method: Heat 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp in 2 batches, making sure they are in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes on one side, until lightly charred, then turn with tongs and cook another 20 seconds, until opaque. For the second batch, if needed, add a little olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Squeeze out several lemon wedges with fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately.
- Category: main course
- Method: Grilled or on the stove
- Kitchen: cajun
- Diet: few calories
Keywords: Blackened Shrimp
More best shrimp recipes!
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