Blackened Shrimp Recipe – Easy Cajun-Spiced Shrimp in 10 Minutes
This Blackened Shrimp Recipe is your go-to for a quick, flavor-packed dinner in just 10 minutes. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a bold Cajun spice blend—featuring paprika, garlic, cayenne, and herbs—then pan-seared to perfection for a smoky, spicy crust. Serve them in tacos, over rice, on salads, or with creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort
Equipment
- Cast iron or heavy skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: lemon or lime wedges, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss in olive oil or melted butter.
- Season Mix all spices in a bowl. Coat shrimp evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Heat Pan Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until very hot.
- Cook Shrimp Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1½–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
- Serve Transfer to a plate. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Serve in tacos, over rice, or with roasted veggies.
Notes
- Use medium to large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count) for best texture
- Let shrimp sit at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking for even searing
- Adjust cayenne for desired heat level
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid rubbery texture
- Freeze raw, seasoned shrimp for quick future meals