Blackened Shrimp

These Blackened Shrimp start with my amazing Cajun Seasoning and turn into the most perfect appetizer, dinner, or taco filling!

I have an amazing Cajun Seasoning recipe that I am a little obsessed with. There is something about the combination of flavors in it that my husband and I just love.

I have used it in many different recipes – this Cajun Chicken Creamy Pasta is our favorite – and I am so excited to have found another recipe it is perfect for.

Blackened Shrimp is a fast and easy recipe that works as an appetizer or for dinner topping rice or in tacos.

What Does it Mean to Blacken

Blacken refers to a cooking technique, usually used with fish, that involves dipping the fish in melted butter and then dredging it in spices before cooking it over high heat.

The high heat blackens the seasoning on the fish. It creates a delicious and perfect flavor you are going to love.

What is in Cajun Seasoning

I have a whole post that goes through Cajun Seasoning and why I love making seasonings from scratch, but here are the basics:

• Paprika
• Salt
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Black Pepper
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Cayenne Pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes

I love that I typically always have these seasonings on hand. When combined they make such a great seasoning that I use in so many different recipes. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Thawing Shrimp

Most of the shrimp that I buy is frozen. I wish I lived somewhere where fresh shrimp was inexpensive, but that is not my life. Frozen shrimp is great to keep on hand so you can make this recipe all the time.

Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Otherwise, you can run the shrimp under cold water until thawed. Please note that it is always best to follow the instructions on the shrimp package for how to thaw.

Cooking Shrimp

It is important in this recipe that you pay attention to how the shrimp is cooking. There is nothing worse than overcooked shrimp.

Follow these tips:

• Use a heavy bottomed skillet over high heat.
• Cook the shrimp in a single layer.
• Only cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch for it to start to curl in on itself.
• You will know the shrimp is fully cooked by it’s pink color.

How to Eat Blackened Shrimp

This recipe is perfectly delicious eaten straight like an appetizer. You could also eat it over rice.

Another option is to serve this in tacos with shredded cabbage like with my Shrimp Tacos. I think they would also be delicious with my Pineapple Salsa on top.

Recommended Tools

• Heavy Bottomed Skillet: I think a cast iron skillet works best in this recipe.
• Measuring Spoons: Perfect for measuring spices in this recipe.
• Tongs: These are great for flipping the shrimp half way through.