Blackened Shrimp

This quick and easy Blackened Shrimp dish is full of flavor and ready in just 15 minutes. The shrimp are coated in a bold, spicy seasoning blend that forms a beautiful crust as they cook. Paired with an optional creamy, zesty remoulade sauce, this dish offers a delightful contrast of flavors that will satisfy any seafood lover. Serve the shrimp over rice, in a salad, or alongside your favorite sides. The recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and can be customized to suit your preferred level of spice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this blackened shrimp recipe is a winner every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Remoulade Sauce (Optional)

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (Creole mustard preferred)
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (Louisiana, Tony Chachere’s, etc.)
• 2 teaspoons capers (roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• ½ teaspoon pickle juice (dill or sweet)
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (Tabasco, Crystal, Louisiana, etc.)
• 1 clove garlic (minced, smashed)

For the Shrimp

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound raw shrimp (26 to 30 count, peeled, deveined)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. For the Remoulade Sauce (Optional): In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, Cajun seasoning, capers, horseradish, pickle juice, hot sauce, and garlic. Serve immediately with the prepared shrimp or cover and chill for at least one hour to enhance the flavors.
2. For the Shrimp: Mix the paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and coat with the spice blend, tossing gently to ensure even seasoning.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1 minute without moving, then flip and cook for another minute until the shrimp are opaque and curled into a “J” shape. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate and serve warm with the remoulade sauce (optional) and your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: Approx. 4 servings

A Flavorful and Versatile Seafood Dish

Blackened shrimp is a dish that is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile and quick to prepare. Originating from the Creole and Cajun cuisines of Louisiana, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its bold taste and simplicity. The recipe involves coating shrimp in a blend of spices and searing them at high heat until they are perfectly cooked with a beautifully crisp, blackened crust. The result is a shrimp dish that has a smoky, spicy flavor with an irresistible crunch on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.

The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Spices

What makes blackened shrimp stand out is its spice mix, which typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, cumin, and black pepper. This blend is a balance of smokiness, heat, and earthiness that coats the shrimp, enhancing its natural sweetness. The heat level can be adjusted to suit your preferences, whether you want a mild kick or a full-on spicy experience. When cooked, the spices form a crust that adds both flavor and texture to the shrimp. This contrast between the crispy exterior and succulent interior makes every bite a delightful experience.

The seasoning used in blackened shrimp is reminiscent of traditional Cajun or Creole flavors, characterized by the use of paprika, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme or oregano. It’s this seasoning that brings the dish to life, providing a complex, multi-layered taste that pairs beautifully with the natural umami of the shrimp. The option to add a remoulade sauce—a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dipping sauce—elevates the dish even further by providing a smooth contrast to the boldness of the blackened crust.

A Quick, Healthy, and Versatile Dish

One of the great advantages of blackened shrimp is how quickly it can be prepared. With only about 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or even as an impressive appetizer for guests. Shrimp cook very quickly, and because they are small and uniform in size, they achieve the perfect level of doneness almost effortlessly.

Nutritionally, shrimp are low in calories yet high in protein, making them a great choice for those who are watching their calorie intake or looking to increase their protein consumption. They are also packed with nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine. When prepared with heart-healthy olive oil and accompanied by a fresh salad or grilled vegetables, blackened shrimp is an ideal dish for those who want to eat healthily without compromising on flavor.

The optional remoulade sauce, while adding a touch of richness, is also a versatile addition. Made from ingredients like mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, paprika, capers, and hot sauce, it brings a tangy and slightly spicy element that complements the heat of the blackened seasoning. You can easily adjust the remoulade to suit your taste—whether you want it creamier, tangier, or spicier—making it a customizable dipping sauce or drizzle for your shrimp.

Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities

Blackened shrimp is a dish that can be served in countless ways, making it a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. Here are some ideas for serving:

1. Tacos: Blackened shrimp make an incredible taco filling. Pair them with fresh slaw, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of the remoulade sauce for a zesty, spicy taco experience. You can use corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free or choose flour tortillas for a softer bite.
2. Salads: For a light and healthy meal, add blackened shrimp to a crisp green salad. Use greens like arugula, mixed lettuce, or spinach, and include toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted corn, and feta cheese. The bold flavors of the shrimp bring the salad to life, and the remoulade can double as a delicious dressing.
3. Rice Bowls: Blackened shrimp pairs beautifully with rice or grains. Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Top with roasted vegetables, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a spoonful of remoulade for a complete, balanced meal.
4. Appetizer Platter: For a party or gathering, serve blackened shrimp as part of an appetizer spread. Arrange the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of remoulade sauce for dipping. This presentation is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for entertaining.
5. Pasta: Add blackened shrimp to a creamy pasta dish for a comforting and flavorful meal. A simple alfredo or garlic butter pasta works perfectly to balance the spiciness of the shrimp, creating a rich and indulgent dish.

Variations to Try

One of the best aspects of blackened shrimp is its adaptability. Here are some ways to put your own spin on this dish:

• Adjust the Heat Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or replace it with a milder spice like smoked paprika. On the other hand, if you love heat, add more cayenne or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Use Different Proteins: The blackened seasoning works well with other proteins like fish, chicken, or even tofu. Try blackened salmon or blackened chicken for a similar taste experience, or coat firm tofu slices for a vegetarian option.
• Citrus Twist: For an added burst of freshness, squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving. The citrus will enhance the flavors of the seasoning and provide a bright contrast to the spices.
• Herbaceous Upgrade: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil into the dish for an aromatic touch. These herbs can be mixed into the remoulade sauce, sprinkled over the cooked shrimp, or mixed into a salad or rice bowl.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to add some more texture and flavor to your meal, consider cooking vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the shrimp. These veggies will soak up the seasoning and add a colorful and flavorful element to the dish.

Conclusion:

Blackened shrimp is a versatile, flavorful, and quick-cooking dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Its rich, spicy seasoning is well-balanced and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to hearty rice bowls. With the optional remoulade sauce adding a creamy, tangy contrast, this dish is bound to become a favorite among seafood lovers and anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal option.

Whether you are serving the shrimp as part of tacos, atop a fresh salad, or alongside roasted vegetables, blackened shrimp can easily fit into your weekly meal rotation or wow your guests at a dinner party. The ability to customize the spice level and adapt the dish to various dietary needs—like keto or gluten-free—adds to its universal appeal.