Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a tasty dish packed with flavor! The shrimp are coated in a spicy mix and cooked until they look perfectly charred and crispy.
This meal is super quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love serving it with rice or veggies, but honestly, you could eat it straight off the skillet! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp (16-20 count). If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp is a great option; just remember to thaw them completely before cooking. You could also try this with chicken or firm fish like salmon!
Olive Oil or Butter: These help achieve that wonderful sear. I often use melted butter for a richer taste, but olive oil works well too. If you want a lighter option, avocado oil is a good choice due to its high smoke point.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use smoked paprika instead. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce in the recipe could do the trick!
Herbs & Spices: If you don’t have oregano or thyme, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute. Fresh herbs are great, but dried work perfectly for this dish!
How Do I Get the Perfect Blackened Crust?
The secret to that iconic blackened crust lies in the cooking technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot! A heavy cast-iron skillet holds heat well, giving you that perfect sear.
- Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and prevents that nice crust from forming.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let the shrimp sit for 1.5 to 2 minutes to develop a good char before you turn them over.
Keep an eye on them while cooking; timing is everything for that beautiful dark color without burning!
Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 5-7 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal that can be ready in just about 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cajun Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This spicy blend will give your shrimp that delicious Cajun kick!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Using paper towels, gently pat the shrimp dry. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick better. Then, toss the shrimp in olive oil or melted butter so they’re evenly coated.
3. Season the Shrimp:
Now, sprinkle your Cajun seasoning mix generously over the shrimp. Toss them until each piece is well-coated in the spices—this will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s very hot but not smoking. This high temperature is key for creating that amazing blackened crust.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer—try not to overcrowd them. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1.5 to 2 minutes, until they are nicely charred on one side. Then, flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until they’re opaque and fully cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet right away to prevent burning. Serve them hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and some lemon wedges on the side for a bright touch. You can pair this delightful dish with rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite side!
Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Blackened Shrimp, a dish that’s not just quick to make but also wickedly delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, melted butter is a great alternative for more flavor. You could also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil, both of which have high smoke points suitable for blackening.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, being careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough if reheated too much.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also add more seasoning to suit your taste, or use a milder pepper like paprika for flavor without extra heat.
