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blackened shrimp on a bed of white rice on plate
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5 from 7 votes

Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Juicy, tender shrimp is bathed in butter and a homemade blackening seasoning, then seared until beautifully cooked with a little char.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 20 minute recipe, shrimp recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 158kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs large raw shrimp (26-30 per pound) peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2 - 3 Tbsp blackening seasoning see recipe below in Chef's notes (or use store-bought)
  • 3 Tbsp melted butter slightly cooled
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable or avocado oil divided
  • lemon wedges for garnish
  • minced fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare

  • Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels, then add to a large mixing bowl and toss with the melted butter.

Season

  • Make seasoning if using homemade, or get out the store-bought seasoning mix.
  • Sprinkle shrimp with blackening seasoning and toss to combine, so that each shrimp is coated very well.

Cook

  • Heat a large cast iron skillet (or other large heavy bottomed skillet) over MED HIGH heat for several minutes, or until you see small wisps of smoke.  Add 1 Tbsp of oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  • Add half of the shrimp, in a single layer.  Cook about 90 seconds, then flip each shrimp over, cooking for another minute on the second side.
  • Remove shrimp to a plate.  Add remaining vegetable oil and shrimp, then cook about 90 seconds, then flip each shrimp over, cooking for another minute on the second side.

Serve

  • Add all shrimp back to the skillet, then remove from the heat. Serve hot, with some lemon wedges and sprinkled with a bit of minced fresh parsley or cilantro (if desired).

Notes

  1. We love to serve these shrimp with some Cilantro Lime Rice (or plain white or basmati rice), and with some Remoulade Sauce for dipping/drizzling.

Homemade Blackening Seasoning

  • 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp regular paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper (amount depends on your spice tolerance)
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (amount depends on your spice tolerance)
  • 1/2 tsp dried celery seed
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl, then add to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
  2. If sealed well after each use, seasoning should stay fresh for up to 6 months.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 1789mg | Potassium: 173mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg