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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Seafood

    The Best Blackened Shrimp

    August 3, 2020 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated April 25, 2022 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing blackened shrimp in a skillet.

    In this flavor-packed, quick, and easy Blackened Shrimp recipe, fresh shrimp are coated with a spicy, homemade Cajun blackened shrimp seasoning. Then, they are pan-seared in butter, in a cast-iron skillet, until they are tender, juicy, and simply amazing.

    A perfect low-carb dish, these spicy shrimp cook quickly and can be on your table in 10 minutes. Blackened shrimp are versatile and can be served as a main dish or appetizer.

    A black cast iron skillet with blackened shrimp.

    If you like food with big bold flavors, you will love this recipe. Like my Steakhouse-Style Blackened Steak, Blackened Mahi-Mahi, Blackened Grouper, and Blackened Cod, the distinctive sweet and savory homemade blackened seasoning magically transform simple ingredients into a spicy, food lover’s dream!

    Blackened shrimp can also be combined with other ingredients like grits, pasta, or rice or used to make Blackened Shrimp Tacos, po’boys, quesadillas, wraps, and salads.

    Check out the easy step-by-step instructions below and the short video to see how this simple dish is made.

    Ingredients – here’s what you will need:

    • Shrimp – extra-large work best in this recipe. Have your seafood store peel, devein and remove the tails for you.
    • Butter – is used for pan-searing and adds richness and flavor to the dish. You can substitute olive oil.
    A bowl full of frozen shrimp.

    Here is what you need for the homemade blackened seasoning for the shrimp:

    A cutting board with ten piles of various spices including oregano and thyme.
    • Thyme: with its mild grassy herbal flavor, thyme adds a slight citrus note to the seasoning. 
    • Oregano: imparts an earthy pungent aroma and taste.
    • Cumin: one of my favorite spices, cumin gives it a slightly smoky taste. 
    • Onion powder: you know this one, onion powder gives it a slightly sweet onion taste.
    • Garlic powder: similar to onion powder, garlic powder mimics the taste of ever-popular garlic. 
    • Paprika: besides its beautiful red color, paprika also provides a little smokiness. 
    • Black pepper and cayenne pepper: provide the heat.
    • Brown sugar: is one of my secret ingredients and adds just a touch of sweetness and helps to carmelize the blackened seasoning.
    • Kosher salt: brings it all together and enhances all of the flavors. 

    Directions – here’s how to make this recipe:

    1. To make the blackened shrimp seasoning, add all of the spices and seasonings to a small bowl and combine. Set aside.
    Mixing spices together to make blackened seasoning.
    1. Then, place the shrimp in a large shallow bowl. Use a paper towel and blot them dry to remove any excess moisture. 
    2. Melt two tablespoons of butter and use a pastry brush to generously coat them.
    Brushing melted butter over shellfish in a dish.
    1. Sprinkle one-half of the blackening seasoning evenly over the crustaceans. Turn over and repeat with the butter and the rest of the seasoning mix. 
    Blackening seasoning over shrimp in a dish.
    1. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining three tablespoons of butter.
    2. When the butter has melted and the skillet is smoking hot, add the shrimp in one layer and cook undisturbed for one minute per side.
    A cast-iron skillet full of shellfish cooking.
    1. Turn the shellfish over and cook for another minute per side or until the thickest end of the shrimp has turned from translucent to opaque, and the seasoning mix is caramelized and crusty.
    Blackened shrimp cooking in a skillet.
    1. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately and then quickly remove the shellfish from the pan. If not, they will continue to cook.
    2. Optional, garnish with chopped parsley and a splash of lime juice.  Serve immediately.
    Lime slices, along with cooked shrimp in a skillet.

    Frequently asked questions:

    What to serve with it?

    Because this dish is so spicy, I like to serve it with a side dish that has a milder flavor profile, such as cheese grits, squash casserole, scalloped potatoes, potato salad, or even baked mac and cheese.

    If you want to add a salad, here are a few ideas: Panzanella, brussels sprout salad, or cucumber and tomato salad. You can find more side dish recipes here or more salad recipes here.  

    What’s the difference between Cajun and blackening seasonings.

    The ingredients in these two seasoning blends are almost identical, except Cajun seasoning is spicier and contains twice the cayenne pepper. Cajun seasoning also usually doesn’t include brown sugar. 

    How spicy is this recipe?

    On a scale of one to ten, this recipe is a six as it packs some heat. If you would like to tone it down, reduce the amount of black and cayenne pepper called for in this recipe.

    Can I use frozen shrimp?

    I am a huge fan of fresh gulf shrimp, and we are lucky they are always available where we live. However, that said, frozen are probably one of the best convenience foods available, and it’s hard to tell the difference between frozen and fresh. I always have a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer, and they thaw in minutes.

    Can I substitute purchased blackening seasonings for homemade?

    Absolutely! I like and have used both Paul Prudhomme’s and Old Bay Blackening Seasoning blend, and both will work fine in this recipe. If you do use purchased, I recommend you add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix.

    What is blackening?

    Blackening is a cooking method in which food such as fish, meat, or poultry, is coated with a spicy dry rub, called a blackened seasoning, and then pan-seared in butter. Usually, this is done, over high heat in a cast-iron skillet on a grill outside to minimize smoke, or on the stove with a good exhaust fan.

    Blackening does not mean burned. It simply means the sugar and spices in the dry rub caramelize and coats the food with crispy, charred, blackened, or dark brown, spicy deliciousness.

    Sharon’s tips:

    • Shrimp has a delicate flavor, and too much spice can overpower it. If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. 
    • This recipe calls for extra-large shrimp, which generally means 21-24 per pound. If yours are larger or smaller, you will need to adjust the cooking times. I don’t recommend small; they will overcook before the blackening seasoning carmelizes.
    • When placing the shellfish in the skillet, for the best results, make sure only to put them in one layer and do not crowd them. You want them to get a nice sear and not steam. 
    • This recipe produces smoke. Be sure to turn your kitchen exhaust fan on high before making this dish and open a window if you need to.
    • If you don’t want to heat your kitchen you can cook the shrimp on the grill if you like. Use a grill basket or skewers to corral them and keep them from falling through the grill grates. 
    • You can substitute olive oil for the butter called for in this recipe.
    • Shrimp cook quickly, and it’s easy to overcook them, so watch them carefully. When perfectly cooked, they will form a loose “c.” If they are in a tight “c,” they are overcooked.

    More shrimp recipes:

    If you have followed my blog for any time, you know I love shrimp. Assuming you enjoy them as much as I do, you might also be interested in these recipes: Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Tomatoes, New Orleans-Style Shrimp Creole, Crispy Pan-Fried Shrimp, Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, and Smoked Shrimp. 

    If you like blackened meat recipes, be sure to check out my Blackened Steak recipe.

    If you need more menu ideas or inspiration, you can find all of my seafood recipes here.

    ★ If you make this recipe, please consider rating it and leaving a comment. I’d love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones. I hope you’ll come back soon!

    A cast-iron skillet full of blackened shrimp and garnished with lime slices.

    The Best Blackened Shrimp Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    In this flavor-packed recipe, fresh shrimp are coated with a spicy blackening seasoning for shrimp and pan-seared in butter in a cast iron skillet until they are tender, juicy, and simply amazing. It's the perfect main course or appetizer and takes just minutes to make. 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Dish
    Cuisine Southern
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 309 kcal

    Equipment

    • cast-iron skillet or heavy duty non-stick skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 pounds extra-large shrimp peeled, deveined, with the tails removed
    • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon ground dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • Optional garnishes one tablespoon chopped parsley, the juice of one-half of a lime.

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all seasonings and spices in a small bowl and stir well to make the blackening seasoning. Set aside.
    • Place the shrimp in a large shallow bowl or plate. Use a paper towel and blot them to remove any excess moisture.
    • Melt two tablespoons of butter and use a pastry brush to coat the shrimp generously. Sprinkle one-half of the seasoning mix evenly over the crustaceans. Turn over and repeat with the butter and seasoning.
    • Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining three tablespoons of butter.
    • When the skillet is hot, and the butter has melted, add the shrimp in one layer and cook undisturbed for one minute. Turn the shellfish over, and cook for another minute or until the thickest end of the has turned from translucent to opaque, and the seasoning mix is blackened and crusty.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat immediately and then quickly remove the shellfish from the pan. If not, they will continue to cook and could become tough and stringy.
    • Optional, garnish with chopped parsley and a splash of lime juice. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Shrimp has a delicate flavor, and too much spice can overpower it. If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe.
    This recipe calls for extra-large, which generally means 21-24 shrimp per pound. If yours are larger or smaller, you will need to adjust the cooking times.
    When placing the shrimp in the skillet, for the best results, make sure only to put them in one layer and do not crowd them. You want them to get a nice sear and not steam.
    This recipe will produce smoke. Be sure to turn your kitchen exhaust fan on high before making this dish.
    If you don’t want to heat your kitchen by cooking the shrimp on the stove, you can cook them on the grill if you like. Use a grill basket or skewer to corral them and keep them from falling through the grill grates. 
    If you want to use a purchased blackened seasoning, I like and have used both Paul Prudhomme’s and Old Bay Blackening Seasoning blend, and both will work fine in this recipe. However, if you use purchased, I recommend adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the mix.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 466mgSodium: 2489mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1034IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

    More Seafood Recipes recipes

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    • Best Southern Crispy Fried Oysters
    • Quick and Easy Fried Crab Claws
    • Best Ever Blackened Mahi-Mahi Fillets

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    1. M Lanier

      May 03, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight on the grill using a basket. It was perfect. Only 1 change. I used 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and it was plenty. I think 2 would be too much. Ther spice was perfect as was the cooking time. Make this one!

      Reply
    2. Kathy Stoner

      April 14, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Sharon, Thanks for Blackened Shrimp Recipe. I made mine on a Turkey fryer with iron skillet outside, no smoke in house. Great taste and I cant use brown sugar boyfriend is diabetic, so yes I used Chef Paul Prud Hommes and Zatarains mixed together. Thanks Kathy S.

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        April 15, 2022 at 8:46 am

        Hi Kathy, I’m so glad you liked it and also glad you figured out a way to fit your diet needs.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. Kathi Hurt

      August 04, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Just made this for dinner tonight and it was so good! Thanks so much

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        August 05, 2020 at 7:11 pm

        Hi Kathi,
        I’m so glad you liked the shrimp and thanks too for letting me know!
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    4. Ashley Lentini

      August 04, 2020 at 9:21 am

      I think I might make this my Fun Friday snack attack after work to start the weekend off with a BANG!! Yummy! Can’t wait…….

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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