Description
Blackened shrimp sizzle with Cajun spice and zesty flavor, making your dinner plate dance with southern charm. Crispy, golden-edged shrimp deliver a spicy kick that turns an ordinary meal into a Louisiana-style celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp
Supporting Spices:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse each shrimp under cool running water, then carefully blot completely dry using fresh paper towels to ensure maximum seasoning adherence.
- Create a robust spice blend by whisking together 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the shrimp, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly before generously dusting with the prepared spice mixture.
- Position a heavy skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes until surface becomes extremely hot and radiates intense warmth.
- Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, ensuring each piece touches the hot surface directly for maximum caramelization.
- Cook shrimp for precisely 2 minutes on the first side, watching for a deep golden-brown crust to develop around the edges.
- Flip each shrimp and continue cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until they transform into an opaque, light pink color with slight charred edges.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice across the sizzling shrimp to brighten their intense, smoky flavor.
- Transfer blackened shrimp directly from the pan to serving plates, preserving their crisp texture and robust seasoning.
Notes
- Patting the shrimp completely dry ensures a perfect sear and prevents steaming instead of browning.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best blackened effect and deeper flavor development.
- Watch the heat carefully to create a dark crust without burning the spices, which can turn bitter.
- For a low-carb or keto version, serve these shrimp over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg