If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, smoky flavors yet comes together in a snap, look no further than this Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe. This dish is a celebration of perfectly seasoned shrimp, seared to a glorious blackened finish and coated in garlicky butter that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal stress, this recipe hits all the right notes — spicy, buttery, and bright with fresh lemon and parsley. You’ll soon see why it’s one of my all-time favorites for bringing a little Southern magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that signature char, vibrant flavor, and irresistible richness that make this dish unforgettable. Here’s what you need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the seasoning beautifully.
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning: This blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs is what gives the dish its smoky, spicy kick — choose store-bought or whip your own!
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the shrimp perfectly while adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a luscious sauce when combined with garlic.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a touch of warmth to the butter sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice, for garnish: Brightens the dish and balances the spice with refreshing acidity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Offers a splash of color and a hint of herbal freshness to finish the plate.
How to Make Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
First things first, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Generously season both sides with your blackened seasoning. This step is crucial because the seasoning forms the flavorful crust that defines this recipe.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You want the pan nice and hot to get that perfect sizzle when the shrimp hits the surface. This searing process locks in juices and builds that beloved blackened texture.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer so each piece gets maximum contact with the heat. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a crisp blackened crust. Then, transfer the shrimp to a plate and keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
No pan? No problem. Using the same skillet, toss in unsalted butter and minced garlic. As the butter melts, the garlic infuses the sauce with fragrance and richness. Let it cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is tender and aromatic, but not burnt.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir well to coat them in that luscious garlic butter. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. These final touches brighten the dish and add attractive color — the perfect finishing flourish for your Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your dish instantly. In this recipe, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty burst that cuts through the richness, while fresh parsley lends an herbal note and visual appeal. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes for extra color and heat.
Side Dishes
For a balanced and satisfying meal, serve this shrimp alongside fluffy white rice, creamy grits, or a crisp green salad. Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also pair wonderfully, offering fresh flavors and textures that complement the spicy shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe is versatile for presentation. Serve the shrimp over warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for a quick shrimp taco. Or layer them onto toasted baguette slices with cream cheese for an elegant appetizer. The possibilities to impress are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay flavorful for up to two days. Remember to keep them separate from any salad or side dish to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. To preserve flavor and texture, flash-freeze the shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring to the container.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently to avoid overcooking. Warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, covering them to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly and get that perfect blackened crust.
What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice comes mainly from the blackened seasoning, which can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne or swap it for smoked paprika for smokiness without the heat.
Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes, this method works wonderfully with other seafood like scallops, white fish fillets, or even chicken if you want a different protein option with the same delicious cajun flair.
What’s the best pan to use for blackening shrimp?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and helps form that signature blackened crust. However, a heavy stainless steel pan works fine too if you don’t have cast iron.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe is like welcoming a little Southern charm into your kitchen with every bite. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether a casual dinner or a celebratory meal. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to recipe for shrimp — it certainly has in my house. So grab your skillet and dive into this fantastic dish; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp with a spicy blackened seasoning and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, the shrimp are seared in a hot skillet to achieve a beautifully blackened crust and finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh lemon juice, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, evenly season both sides of the shrimp with the blackened seasoning to ensure a flavorful crust once cooked.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up, preparing the pan for searing the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a blackened crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, creating a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them well to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of blackened seasoning or add cayenne pepper.
- Serve with rice, grits, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- You can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Homemade blackened seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preference for acidity.
