Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe: Spicy Dinner Magic

Blackened shrimp sizzle with an irresistible combination of spicy charm and culinary magic.

Seasoned professionals know this cooking technique revolutionizes ordinary seafood into a mouthwatering delicacy.

Robust spice blends create a dark, crusty exterior that locks in tender, succulent flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this method elevates simple ingredients into restaurant-quality dishes.

Searing at high temperatures caramelizes the spices, developing deep, complex taste profiles that dance across your palate.

Bold and intense, these shrimp promise a restaurant-worthy experience right in your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, texture, and pure satisfaction.

How to Prepare Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp Fast

Step 1: Craft Zesty Remoulade Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Whole grain mustard
• Sweet paprika
• Cajun seasoning
• Capers
• Horseradish
• Pickle juice
• Hot sauce
• Garlic

Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for one hour to enhance flavors.

Step 2: Mix Spice Blend

• Paprika
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin
• Thyme
• Black pepper
• Onion powder

Blend thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp With Spice Mix

Place shrimp in a medium bowl and sprinkle the spice blend over them. Toss gently to ensure every shrimp is perfectly coated with the seasoning.

Step 4: Sear Shrimp To Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.

Cook for 1 minute without moving. Flip each shrimp and cook an additional minute until they curl into a “J” shape and turn opaque.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer sizzling shrimp to a serving plate. Drizzle with chilled remoulade sauce. Pair with your favorite sides for a delightful meal.

Tips to Master Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

• Spice Selection: Choose a high-quality Cajun or Creole seasoning blend for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
• Even Coating: Gently pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices adhere perfectly and create a crisp exterior.
• Pan Temperature: Use a cast-iron skillet for the best blackening effect and ensure it's scorching hot before adding shrimp.
• Cooking Precision
• Sauce Enhancement: Prepare remoulade sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Storing Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid keeping longer to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm shrimp briefly in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, checking to prevent rubber-like texture.
• Best Enjoyed Fresh: Shrimp tastes best when served immediately after cooking. Reheating can slightly diminish the crisp exterior and tender interior, so consume within 24 hours for maximum enjoyment.

Perfect Sides for Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

• Ignite Spicy Flavor Fusion: Pair the bold blackened shrimp with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that cuts through the heat and complements the Cajun spices.
• Cool Down the Kick: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or coleslaw with a light vinaigrette to balance the intense, spicy shrimp flavors.
• Craft a Coastal Companion: Match the dish with coconut rice or garlic butter quinoa to absorb the rich remoulade sauce and provide a creamy contrast to the zesty seafood.
• Elevate with Fresh Greens: Create a light mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the robust spice profile of the blackened shrimp.

Bold Variations on Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

• Zesty Citrus Shrimp: Replace Cajun seasoning with lemon zest, add fresh orange juice to remoulade sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Caribbean-Style Blackened Shrimp: Incorporate allspice and nutmeg into the spice blend, use coconut oil instead of olive oil, and serve with mango salsa for a tropical kick.
• Herb-Infused Seafood Variation: Mix fresh chopped rosemary and basil into the spice rub, swap horseradish for minced garlic in remoulade, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley for an aromatic enhancement.
• Mediterranean Fusion Shrimp: Add dried oregano and sumac to the spice mix, blend feta cheese into the remoulade sauce, and serve with a side of quick-pickled cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp: Reasons It’s a Weeknight Winner

• Blast of Flavor Explosion: Dive into a spicy, zesty experience with the perfectly seasoned Cajun-style shrimp that delivers a powerful punch of herbs and heat in every single bite.
• Lightning-Fast Cooking Technique: Blackening method creates a deliciously crispy exterior in just 2 minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or quick dinner solutions when time is tight.
• Customizable Sauce Adventure: The homemade remoulade brings restaurant-quality richness with its complex blend of tangy, spicy, and creamy elements that can be adjusted to personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Simple Professional-Level Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, allowing home chefs to create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes impressively gourmet with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp with tails on provide the perfect protein base for this spicy dish. Wild-caught or Gulf shrimp offer the best flavor and texture.

Olive Oil: High-quality oil helps create a perfect sear and prevents sticking to the skillet. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity undertone.

• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin, Thyme, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Salt: Classic Cajun-style seasoning mix that creates a bold, spicy crust on the shrimp. Each spice contributes depth and heat to the final dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides richness and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Adds tangy, slightly crunchy flavor with a zesty kick.
• Sweet Paprika: Provides mild sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Brings authentic Southern spice profile.
• Capers: Small briny pickled buds that deliver a sharp, salty accent.
• Horseradish: Gives a sharp, spicy heat to the sauce.
• Pickle Juice: Adds unexpected tanginess and complexity.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces additional heat and vinegary notes.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic undertone to the sauce.

Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Louisiana-style blackened shrimp sizzle with bold Cajun seasoning, delivering intense flavor in mere minutes. Succulent prawns emerge perfectly charred, promising a zesty dinner that transports you to New Orleans’ culinary heart.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Remoulade Sauce (Optional):

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons capers
• ½ teaspoon pickle juice
• 1 clove garlic

Blackened Shrimp:

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8–¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Main Protein:

• 1 pound raw shrimp (26 to 30 count, peeled and deveined)

Cooking Oil:

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the remoulade sauce by whisking mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, sweet paprika, Cajun seasoning, capers, horseradish, pickle juice, hot sauce, and minced garlic in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
2. Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour to enhance flavor complexity, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop a more robust profile.
3. Prepare the spice blend by meticulously combining paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl, ensuring even distribution of each spice.
4. Gently coat raw shrimp with the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasoning into each piece to guarantee complete and uniform coverage.
5. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking surface for achieving a perfectly blackened exterior.
6. Drizzle olive oil across the skillet, tilting to create a thin, even layer that prevents sticking and promotes caramelization.
7. Carefully arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece maximum contact with the hot surface to develop a deep, rich crust.
8. Cook undisturbed for approximately one minute, allowing the spices to form a flavorful, dark exterior.
9. Flip each shrimp and continue cooking for an additional minute until they transform into a distinctive “J” shape and become opaque, signaling perfect doneness.
10. Transfer the blackened shrimp to a serving platter, preserving their crisp texture and intense flavor profile.
11. Accompany the shrimp with the prepared remoulade sauce and selected side dishes, creating a complete and satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Blend Magic: Crafting the perfect blackened seasoning mix involves balancing bold spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme for an explosive flavor profile.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Shrimp cook lightning-fast, requiring only 2 minutes total to achieve a perfectly charred exterior and tender, juicy interior.
• Sauce Enhancement: The zesty remoulade adds a creamy, tangy dimension that elevates the spicy blackened shrimp to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Preparation Tip: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum spice adherence and achieve that signature crispy blackened crust.
• Temperature Control: Use a smoking-hot skillet and resist the urge to move shrimp around, allowing them to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a complete and satisfying meal in under 15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg