Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
If you crave big, bold flavors with minimal effort, Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp is about to become your new go-to recipe! Picture plump, juicy shrimp kissed with the smoky spice of Cajun seasoning, a burst of bright lemon, and a shower of fresh parsley all ready in under fifteen minutes. This dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with a fraction of the work—perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe has a vital role, creating irresistible flavor and perfect texture. You don’t need anything fancy—just the right combo of spices, shrimp, and good olive oil make all the difference.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp become sweet, tender, and soaks in all the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick, plus it’s perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Cajun Seasoning (1 ½ tbsp): This blend brings the smoky, spicy flair that defines blackened shrimp—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Provides depth and an irresistible smoky note that amplifies the blackened “char.”
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Gives you control over the heat level—skip or use less if you prefer milder shrimp.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the spices and balances the flavors of the shrimp and seasonings.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp, ground): A little black pepper wakes up the entire spice mix, adding bite without overpowering.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): A generous squeeze brightens every bite, adding a fresh, tangy finish.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings a pop of green and freshness, making the whole plate look irresistible.
How to Make Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
First things first, grab your shrimp and pat them dry really well with paper towels. Dry shrimp are essential for that gorgeous blackened crust—they shouldn’t steam in the pan. Once they’re nice and dry, place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season Boldly
This is where the magic happens! Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil, then sprinkle over all your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss until every shrimp is glossy and coated in that brilliant, fragrant spice mixture.
Step 3: Sear in a Hot Pan
Heat your largest skillet or a trusty cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side. You want them pink and opaque in the center, with crisp, lightly charred edges.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the blackened shrimp from the skillet, then pile them onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and pass around plenty of lemon wedges for squeezing. Dig in while they’re piping hot and extra juicy!
How to Serve Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp
Garnishes
Nothing beats a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon over these shrimp—it brightens the spicy, smoky flavors and adds color against that gorgeous blackened crust. If you like, a light drizzle of garlic butter or a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning can really make the Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp pop with even more personality.
Side Dishes
Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp love to be the star, but they shine extra bright with the right supporting cast. Serve them atop fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the juices, or pile them into warm tortillas for unforgettable shrimp tacos. They’re also perfect over mixed greens or tossed into a spicy pasta for a hearty meal that’s anything but boring.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Thread shrimp onto skewers for a party platter, or build a New Orleans-style po’boy sandwich, stuffed with lettuce, tomato, and a slather of creamy remoulade. You can even add them to grain bowls or layer onto grilled flatbread for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp are endlessly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), simply let the shrimp cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, making them a quick and flavorful protein addition to salads or sandwiches afterward.
Freezing
To freeze, lay cooked, cooled Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. Remember to label and date the package, so you’ll always know when to enjoy them for a speedy weeknight meal!
Reheating
For best results, reheat your shrimp briefly in a hot skillet—just until warmed through. This helps maintain their tender texture and bold, blackened crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can overcook and toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures you get that perfect sear and flavorful crust. Frozen peeled and deveined shrimp make this dish even more convenient.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base recipe is flavorful with a gentle heat, but it’s easy to adjust. Omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version or add more if you love a little extra kick. Either way, Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp are all about customizable spice!
Can I grill these shrimp instead of pan-searing?
Yes, grilling works wonderfully! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This keeps things smoky and adds gorgeous grill marks to your Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp.
What’s the best way to make homemade Cajun seasoning?
Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste and make a big batch—it’s fantastic sprinkled on chicken, veggies, or even popcorn!
Is Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free (most are, but always double-check!), this recipe is completely gluten-free. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and allergy-friendly dinner option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s fast, vibrant, and downright irresistible, give Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp a try! It’s unfussy, flavor-packed, and impossible to mess up. Even better, it’s an invitation to get creative—so cook it your way and share it with people you love.
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Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked until perfectly blackened, creating a delicious dish that can be served over rice, in tacos, or on salads.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl.
- Season shrimp: Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper; toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque with slightly charred edges.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a homemade Cajun seasoning blend so you can control the spice level and saltiness.
- This shrimp is perfect served over rice, in tacos, or on top of salads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz shrimp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
