Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the main protein in the dish.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and adding a rich flavor.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the shrimp.

Garlic powder: Provides a savory and aromatic element.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.

Dried thyme: Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.

Dried oregano: Brings a robust and slightly bitter taste.

Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the shrimp.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

To achieve the perfect blackened shrimp, ensure your skillet is preheated to the right temperature. A medium-high heat is crucial for creating that signature crust without overcooking the shrimp. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking and achieve a consistent sear.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and can absorb the blackening spices well.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking like blackening.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the blackening process.

• garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic has a similar flavor profile and texture, making it a suitable replacement.

• onion powder - Substitute with granulated onion: Granulated onion provides a similar taste and texture, ensuring the seasoning blend remains consistent.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbal note that works well with the other spices.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano, making it a good alternative.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a milder heat and a slightly different flavor, but still adds the necessary spice.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar level of saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder and less visually noticeable.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
• Place the cooled blackened shrimp in an airtight container. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider layering them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for about an hour. This flash-freezing method prevents the shrimp from clumping together.
• Once the shrimp are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can also place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process.
• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Enjoy your blackened shrimp in various dishes like tacos, salads, or pasta.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover blackened shrimp.
  4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the blackened shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the shrimp with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the blackened shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steamer basket over the pot.
  3. Add the blackened shrimp to the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the spices together and to toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the shrimp over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect blackened texture.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring out the spices to create the perfect seasoning mix.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp while cooking to avoid burns and ensure even cooking.

• Paper towels: Use these to pat the shrimp dry before tossing them in the spice mix, which helps the seasoning adhere better.

Prepare the spice mix in advance: Combine all the spices and store in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly season the shrimp when ready to cook.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Purchase shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time on preparation.

Heat the skillet while seasoning: Start heating the skillet as you coat the shrimp with the spice mix to reduce waiting time.

Cook in batches: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the skillet.