Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Flavorful: Ready in under 15 minutes, with a crispy blackened crust that’s full of flavor.
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Versatile: Perfect for serving over salads, in tacos, or paired with pasta.
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Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Fresh lemon juice, for garnish
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Season the Shrimp:
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with blackened seasoning.
2. Heat the Pan:
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Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
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Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are opaque and have a blackened crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
4. Make the Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and Serve:
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Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add Veggies: Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the skillet for extra heat.
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Use Different Protein: Substitute shrimp with chicken or fish for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make the blackened seasoning myself?
Absolutely! Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a homemade blackened seasoning.
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with rice, in tacos, or over pasta for a filling meal.
Conclusion
Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that can be paired with many sides for a versatile meal. Whether you’re craving seafood for dinner or need a dish to impress guests, this blackened shrimp will hit the spot every time.
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Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp
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- Author: Chef Sara
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is a flavorful and quick dish where shrimp are coated in blackened seasoning and seared to perfection, creating a smoky, crispy crust. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for tacos, pasta, salads, or as a standalone meal. With a customizable spice level, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh lemon juice, for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with blackened seasoning.
-
Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
-
Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and blackened. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
-
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Add Veggies: Serve with grilled veggies or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for extra heat.
Use Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or fish for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American