Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe – only 3 simple ingredients are needed to make this tasty pan-seared blackened shrimp. A quick and easy recipe, ready in 10 minutes!

close up of blackened shrimp with lemon wedges on a plate

Best Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Of all the different ways to cook and enjoy fresh shrimp, this might just be my new favorite! All you need is 10 minutes, along with some shrimp, a spice blend, and oil. It’s an easy recipe for busy weeknights that is not only nutritious, but seriously tasty! The best part? Blackened Shrimp is super versatile and can be enjoyed countless ways – with rice, in tacos, added to a green salad, or even as a quick and easy appetizer.

I always keep my Homemade Blackened Seasoning Blend on hand for adding the best flavor to protein. It has just the right combination of savory spice with a Cajun kick. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my Blackened Fish Tacos, Blackened Chicken, and Blackened Salmon.

Ingredients

  • Raw, peeled deveined shrimp – larger shrimp are best, fresh or frozen.
  • Homemade Blackening Seasoning – this blend of spices contains sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme. When making this blend, feel free to adjust the cayenne for more or less heat.
  • Oil – I prefer avocado oil because it is milder in taste, but olive oil can also be used.

ingredients for blackened in shrimp in bowls

How to Make Blackened Shrimp

  1. If you don’t already have it on hand, make the spice blend by mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  3. Add the shrimp to a medium bowl with blackened seasoning and toss well to coat.
  4. Warm the oil in a cast iron skillet (or large heavy skillet) over medium-high heat.
  5. Use tongs to add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan, arranging in a single layer and careful to not overcrowd the pan.
  6. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from the pan immediately and sprinkle the cooked shrimp with fresh lemon juice if desired.

shrimp coated with blackened seasoning in a bowl

blackened shrimp after cooking in a large cast iron skillet

Serving Suggestions

  • Make Blackened Shrimp Tacos with flour or corn tortillas, topped with your favorite salsa, slaw, and taco toppings.
  • Make lettuce wraps using romaine leaves or Bibb lettuce, adding any crunchy veggies or sauce you like.
  • ​Add to fresh greens for a Blackened Shrimp Salad.
  • Build Shrimp Burrito Bowls with rice, black beans, and your favorite toppings.
  • Include in your game day spread with some guacamole or favorite dipping sauce.

​FAQs

What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened Seasoning is a Cajun inspired blend of spices, with spicy heat coming from cayenne pepper. It also includes sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme. The term “blackened” in cooking refers to not just the seasoning but the specific method of cooking, i.e. searing in a hot skillet or over coals.

What size shrimp should I use?

The bigger the better in my opinion. Smaller shrimp cook quickly and tend to become tough and rubbery. Larger shrimp are better for withstanding the cooking time in the hot skillet needed to develop that delicious, blackened flavor and crust.

How to quickly thaw shrimp?

Place frozen shrimp in a large colander and run cold water over the shrimp for 4-5 minutes or until they are thawed.

Do I have to dry the shrimp before cooking?

Yes, this is an important step. Excess moisture creates a steaming effect in the hot pan. Dry seasoned shrimp will develop a nice blackened char, which is what you want!

What are the macros for one serving of Blackened Shrimp?

Carbs: <1 gram

Protein: 15 grams

Fat: 8 grams

More Favorite Shrimp Recipes

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

Instant Pot Gumbo with Shrimp and Chicken

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp

blackened shrimp piled on a plate with lemon

blackened shrimp piled on a plate with lemon wedges

Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, cajun
Keyword: blackening season, easy blackened shrimp
Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe - only 3 simple ingredients are needed to make this tasty pan-seared blackened shrimp. A quick and easy recipe, ready in 10 minutes!
5 from 6 votes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb raw deveined peeled shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons Homemade Blackened Seasoning, see recipe below

Equipment

Instructions

  • Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the Blackened seasoning.
  • Add the oil to a large cast iron pan or skillet and heat over medium high heat.
  • Add shrimp to the pan, arranging in a single layer. Do not move or disturb the shrimp and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Flip the shrimp and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until shrimp are no longer pink.
  • Remove shrimp from the pan and serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon if desired.

Notes

Click here for Blackened Seasoning Blend

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 143mg, Sodium: 642mg, Potassium: 128mg, Vitamin A: 204IU, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 0.2mg

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