During a family trip to the Gulf Coast last summer, we indulged in a local seafood feast that left a lasting impression. The vibrant flavors of freshly caught shrimp, seasoned to perfection, made me eager to recreate the experience at home. That’s how I stumbled upon this Blackened Shrimp recipe, a delightful blend of spices that captures the essence of that memorable meal.
Blackened Shrimp is a fantastic dish that brings the taste of the coast right to your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the robust flavors it delivers. Jumbo shrimp are generously coated in a mix of cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and thyme, then seared to perfection in a hot skillet. The result is a beautifully charred crust that locks in the succulent juiciness of the shrimp.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak the spice levels to suit your palate. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, you might want to add a bit more. The melted butter and garlic brushed over the cooked shrimp add a rich, savory finish that perfectly complements the spicy coating.
This Blackened Shrimp is not just a great stand-alone dish; it can also be served in various ways. Try adding it to a fresh salad for a light, flavorful meal, or use it as a filling for tacos with a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro. It’s also fantastic over a bed of creamy grits or alongside a serving of roasted vegetables.
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they cook so quickly, but this recipe ensures that they come out perfect every time. The key is to have your skillet hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly, creating that characteristic blackened crust without overcooking the meat inside. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for a weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring a lot of time or effort.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a coastal vacation or simply looking to spice up your dinner routine, this Blackened Shrimp recipe is sure to impress. It brings together the warmth of Southern cooking and the freshness of seafood in a way that will make it a favorite in your household.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix the cumin powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
- Coat the peeled jumbo shrimp thoroughly with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Take the shrimp out of the skillet. Combine the melted butter with the minced garlic and brush this mixture over the cooked shrimp before serving.
FAQs:
How can I tell when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done cooking when they turn pink and opaque, and their tails curl slightly. They should be firm to the touch but not rubbery.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them in the spice mixture.
What can I serve with blackened shrimp?
Blackened shrimp pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as a topping for tacos or in a seafood boil.
How spicy is this blackened shrimp recipe?
This recipe has a moderate level of spiciness due to the cayenne pepper. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Can I cook the shrimp on a grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
Blackened Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled jumbo shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until well blended.
- Toss the peeled jumbo shrimp in the spice mixture until they are well coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet. Mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and brush this mixture over the cooked shrimp.
