Description
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe offers a flavorful and quick meal, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked to a smoky, spicy blackened finish. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or appetizer, it brings bold Cajun spices to your stovetop in just 16 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they sear properly.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated, which helps the seasoning stick and prevents sticking to the pan.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make a vibrant spice blend.
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled shrimp and toss well to ensure every shrimp is fully coated with the flavorful spices.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until it is very hot to achieve the blackened effect.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cook until the shrimp are blackened on the outside and opaque in the center, ensuring they’re cooked through but juicy.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the pan and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired, to add a citrusy brightness.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture.
- Serve the shrimp over rice, in tacos, on salads, or as a spicy appetizer.
- You can use pre-made Cajun seasoning to save time without sacrificing flavor.
