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
Scale
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.
