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Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

4.5 from 132 reviews

This Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp recipe offers a flavorful and spicy seafood dish that’s perfect for a fast weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer. Coated in a robust blend of Cajun spices and quickly seared in a skillet, these shrimp are tender and juicy with a smoky blackened crust. Served with a tangy, creamy remoulade sauce, this recipe is simple yet packed with bold Southern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Remoulade Sauce (Optional)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (Creole mustard preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (Louisiana, Tony Chachere’s, etc.)
  • 2 teaspoons capers (roughly chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon pickle juice (dill or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (Tabasco, Crystal, Louisiana, etc.)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced, smashed)

Shrimp and Spice Blend

  • 1 pound raw shrimp (26 to 30 count, peeled, deveined)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Make the Remoulade Sauce (Optional): In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning, 2 teaspoons roughly chopped capers, 1 teaspoon horseradish, ½ teaspoon pickle juice, ½ teaspoon hot sauce, and 1 clove minced garlic until fully combined. You can serve this sauce immediately or cover and chill it for at least one hour to develop the flavors.
  2. Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference), ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly blended.
  3. Season the Shrimp: Place 1 pound of raw peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Add the spice blend and gently stir or toss the shrimp until they are fully and evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is warm, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and tilt or swirl the pan to coat the entire cooking surface. Continue heating until the oil shimmers and is hot enough for cooking.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer without crowding. Cook the shrimp undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a blackened crust. Flip each shrimp over and cook for another 1 minute until the shrimp become opaque and curl into a ‘J’ shape. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp become rubbery if cooked too long.
  6. Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving bowl or plate. Serve warm alongside the prepared remoulade sauce if using, with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level to your preference.
  • The remoulade sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor melding.
  • Use fresh shrimp for best results, but frozen shrimp thawed properly will also work.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary.

Keywords: blackened shrimp, Cajun shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, easy seafood, blackened seasoning, remoulade sauce, spicy shrimp