How to Make Blackened Shrimp

Are you looking for a quick and easy seafood dish to impress your dinner guests? Try making blackened shrimp! This flavorful dish is not only visually stunning with its deep, dark crust, but it also packs a punch of savory spices that are sure to leave your taste buds dancing.

To make blackened shrimp, you will need a few key ingredients such as peeled and deveined shrimp, butter, and a bold spice blend. The key to achieving that perfect blackened crust is to sear the shrimp in a hot pan until it’s almost charred. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to a summertime cookout with friends and family.

What You’ll Need to Make Blackened Shrimp

Making blackened shrimp is a simple and easy process, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some essential kitchen tools. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients:

To make blackened shrimp, you’ll need:

• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Kitchen Tools:

You’ll need the following tools to cook blackened shrimp:

• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl for mixing spices

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Blackened Shrimp

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to make delicious blackened shrimp:

Step 1: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp in Spices

Using your tongs, grab each shrimp and generously coat it in the spice mixture. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated on both sides.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Once the skillet is hot, add the coated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately. You can garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired. Enjoy your tasty blackened shrimp!

Tips for Making the Best Blackened Shrimp

Here are some additional tips to ensure your blackened shrimp turns out perfectly every time:

Tip 1: Use Fresh Shrimp

For the best flavor, always use fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used if fresh is not available but be sure to thaw them before cooking.

Tip 2: Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking

If you prefer your shrimp to be less spicy, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you love spicy food, feel free to add more!

Tip 3: Cook in Small Batches

Cook the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the shrimp to steam instead of blacken.

Tip 4: Add More Butter for Extra Flavor

If you want an extra buttery flavor to your blackened shrimp, add more butter to the skillet while cooking. This will also help prevent the spices from burning.

Tip 5: Serve with a Side Dish

Blackened shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, vegetables, or potato salad. Choose your favorite side to make your meal complete.

With these easy steps and tips for making the best blackened shrimp, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal in no time! Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Happy cooking!

Gathering the Ingredients

Now that we have a good understanding of what blackening is and how it works let’s move on to the first step of making delicious blackened shrimp – gathering the ingredients.

1. Fresh Shrimp: The key ingredient in blackened shrimp is, of course, the shrimp. For best results, it is recommended that you opt for fresh shrimp if possible. You can use any size of shrimp that you prefer, but large shrimp (21/25 count) is the most popular and easiest to work with.

2. Blackening Seasoning: Blackened shrimp gets its unique flavor from the blackening seasoning. You can either make your own blackening seasoning using a recipe or buy a pre-made seasoning mix. If you’re making your own, you’ll need a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Butter: Melted butter is what brings all the ingredients together. Butter blends well with the blackening seasoning and helps the shrimp to cook evenly. Remember to use unsalted butter to avoid making the dish too salty.

4. Lemon: Lemon juice is a common garnish for blackened shrimp. You can either squeeze fresh lemons or buy pre-squeezed bottled juice. The tartness of the lemons helps to cut through the richness of the dish.

5. Garlic: Though optional, garlic adds depth and flavor to the dish. A few cloves of minced garlic mixed with the blackening seasoning and butter will give your shrimp an extra level of deliciousness.

6. Oil: You’ll need a high smoke point oil to cook the shrimp. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and grape seed oil are all good options. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a low smoke point and will burn.

7. Skewers: If you’re grilling your shrimp, you’ll need some skewers to keep them from falling through the grill grates.

Preparing the Shrimp

Now that we have all the ingredients gathered let’s move on to the second step of making blackened shrimp – preparing the shrimp.

1. Devein and Peel: Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. Leave the tails on if desired, as they make for a nice presentation.

2. Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the shrimp.

3. Season: In a bowl, mix the blackening seasoning, melted butter, and minced garlic. Add the cleaned and dried shrimp to the mixture and toss it together until well coated.

4. Skewer: Thread the seasoned shrimp onto the skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding the skewers will lead to uneven cooking.

5. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). If you’re cooking on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

6. Oil the Grill: Once the grill is preheated, use tongs to dip a folded paper towel into the oil. Rub the oiled towel over the grill grates or skillet to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

7. Cook the Shrimp: Place the skewered shrimp on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and have a slightly blackened appearance.

8. Plate and Serve: Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill or skillet and serve immediately with a garnish of lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Making Blackened Shrimp

In order to make blackened shrimp, you will need a list of certain ingredients, and with the right approach, the dish can be prepared at home. You can find a detailed list below:

Step-by-Step Procedures for Making Blackened Shrimp

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s get started with the procedures on how to make tasty blackened shrimp:

Step 1: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme leaves, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Shrimp

Wash and pat dry the shrimp. Make sure they are properly deveined, as this will improve the texture and flavor of the shrimp after being cooked.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Rub the spice mix onto the shrimp. Make sure each shrimp has an even coat of spice mix.

Step 4: Heat the Butter and Olive oil

In a skillet over high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Once the skillet is heated, add the shrimp, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each side of the shrimp for about 2 minutes, or until they turn pink and slightly charred.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Lemon Wedges

Take the skillet off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the shrimp while they’re still hot. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Additional Tips for Making the Best Blackened Shrimp

Here are some additional tips that can help improve the taste and texture of your blackened shrimp recipe:

1. Use Fresh Shrimp

Always use fresh shrimp when preparing blackened shrimp. Fresh shrimp tastes better and it also improves the texture of the dish.

2. Do Not Overcook

Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes each side or until they turn pink.

3. Make More than Enough

Blackened shrimp makes a perfect appetizer, snack, or full meal. Consider making more than enough to share with friends and family.

4. Experiment with Other Spices

Try adding other spices such as coriander, smoked paprika, or chipotle chili powder to create a unique flavor profile for your blackened shrimp recipe.

5. Pair with Salad or Rice

Consider pairing your blackened shrimp recipe with a salad or rice to create a balanced and nutritious meal.

That’s How You Make Blackened Shrimp!

Now that you know the secret to a delicious plate of blackened shrimp, you can impress your friends or family with this tasty dish. Don’t forget to add your own twist to the recipe and make it truly unique. Thank you so much for reading this article, I hope you enjoyed it. Remember to visit again later for more easy-to-follow recipes and cooking tips that will make your life easier and more flavorful! Happy cooking!