Quick Blackened Shrimp For Proper Mealtime

Make mealtime exciting with Blackened Shrimp - juicy shrimp in a rich, savory seasoning, all ready in under 20 minutes for a quick, delicious dish.

Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Create a mouthwatering meal with this Blackened Shrimp recipe, where juicy shrimp meet a rich butter coating and savory homemade blackening seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and enjoy a versatile protein that pairs perfectly with almost any side. Whether you’re after a quick dinner solution or a flavorful new way to enjoy shrimp, this recipe promises a deliciously spicy kick with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large raw shrimp (26-30 per pound) peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 2 – 3 tablespoon blackening seasoning see recipe below in Chef's notes (or use store-bought)
• 3 tablespoon melted butter slightly cooled
• 2 tablespoon 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 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• Add half of the shrimp, in a single layer. Cook for 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 for 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).

Serving Suggestions

When serving blackened shrimp, consider these options to complement their rich and savory flavor:

• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Garlic Bread
• Rice Pilaf or Quinoa
• Corn on the Cob

Tips and Tricks

• The homemade blackening seasoning is key to this dish’s flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences, making the dish as spicy or mild as you like.
• Though melted butter is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with vegetable or avocado oil to suit dietary needs or preferences. Both options aid in ensuring the seasoning adheres well to the shrimp.
• If the weather permits, consider grilling the shrimp for an added smoky flavor. Use skewers to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grill grates.
• Don’t skip on garnishes like parsley, cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice.