Blackened Shrimp

Written by
Morgan Walker
Updated 04/13/20
Blackened Shrimp beauty

 The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker
  • Total: 15 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Yield: 1 pan

This dish packs the most flavor with the least amount of effort and time. Blackening seasoning is found in Cajun cooking and is typically made from a mixture of chili powders, herbs, and spices, then rubbed on proteins (such as chicken and shrimp) to create a spicy and piquant flavor profile. This recipe calls for chili powder and cayenne as the spicy components. However, consider adding 1/8 teaspoon ghost pepper powder to your blend to up the spice even more! Serve this dish alongside red beans and rice, risotto, or on top of a green salad.

You could also easily switch to chicken breast, just up the cook time.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne 
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 limes 

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    blackened shrimp ingredients
    The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

  2. Combine the chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

    blackened shrimp seasoning on shrimp
     The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

  3. In a medium bowl mix the seasoning mixture with the shrimp and mix well. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

    mix blackening seasoning with shrimp
     The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

  4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

    cook blackened shrimp in pan
     The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

  5. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for 30 seconds.

    add garlic to cooked shrimp for final moments of cooking
     The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

  6. Garnish with lime wedges to serve.

    garnish blackened shrimp with lime to serve
     The Spruce Eats / Morgan Walker

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