
If you love big, bold flavors and quick, easy meals, you need this Sautéed Blackened Shrimp recipe in your life.
Juicy shrimp coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning, seared to perfection in just minutes — it’s a dinner dream come true!
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, tacos, salads, rice bowls, or just eating straight out of the pan (no judgment here!).
đź›’ Ingredients
For the Blackened Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked if you love that deep flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (this helps them sear instead of steam).
Toss the shrimp in a bowl with all the blackened seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat the Pan
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil or butter. Let it get hot — you want a sizzling sear when the shrimp hit the pan.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Sauté for about 2 minutes per side, flipping once, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred around the edges.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed!
4. Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a pop of brightness.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve immediately!
🍴 Serving Ideas
- Tacos: Stuff them into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for killer shrimp tacos.
- Rice Bowls: Serve over jasmine rice or cilantro-lime rice with black beans.
- Salads: Toss onto a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
- Appetizer: Spear with toothpicks for a party-perfect finger food!
🔥 Tips for the Best Blackened Shrimp
- Use a heavy pan: A cast-iron skillet works best for that beautiful blackened crust.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast — once they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink, they’re done!
- Customize your heat: Adjust the cayenne to make it as mild or spicy as you want.
Final Thoughts
Sautéed Blackened Shrimp is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is secretly SO easy. With a quick homemade spice blend and a hot pan, you can have a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality meal on the table in 15 minutes or less.
It’s smoky, spicy, juicy, and 100% crave-worthy — one bite, and you’ll be hooked! 🍤💥