Blackened Stove Top Shrimp

Turn up the heat with these succulent blackened shrimp!

Let me tell you—this blackened stove top shrimp recipe is one of those dishes that somehow makes you feel like a total pro in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. It’s fast, flavorful, and has just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting. Whether you’re trying to pull dinner together in a hurry or want to impress someone with your “oh, I just whipped this up” skills, this shrimp recipe delivers.

The real magic? It’s all in the seasoning. A bold blend of spices gives you that smoky, slightly charred crust that makes seasoned shrimp taste like something off a restaurant menu—but you made it on your stove, in like 15 minutes. So if you’re craving big flavor with minimal fuss, grab that skillet and let’s make some shrimp worth talking about.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s the rundown on what makes this blackened shrimp recipe so good—each ingredient pulls its weight:

• Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick and gives the shrimp that perfect sear without overpowering the flavor. Bonus: it’s heart-healthy and packed with good fats.
• Paprika: The star of the show. It brings that sweet, smoky vibe and helps create the signature blackened crust.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These two add depth and that savory kick we all love. Fresh garlic or onion works too, just be careful not to burn them.
• Cayenne Pepper: A little heat to keep things exciting.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The basics, but essential. They help all the other flavors shine.
• Shrimp: Light, protein-packed, and cooks in minutes. Plus, it’s loaded with iodine, which is great for your thyroid.

Simple ingredients, big flavor. That’s how we roll.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this delicious blackened stove top shrimp is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for a fast-paced dinner or an impromptu gathering. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly seasoned and cooked shrimp:

1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices and oil will create the blackening paste for the shrimp.
   • Mix these ingredients well until you achieve a consistent paste. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the shrimp evenly.
2. Season the Shrimp:
   • Take the deveined and peeled shrimp and place them in a medium bowl.
   • Add the prepared spice mixture to the shrimp. Toss them until they are fully coated with the seasoning. Ensure each shrimp is evenly covered to achieve the best flavor and blackening effect.
3. Heat the Skillet:
   • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to become hot enough that a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
   • The right temperature is crucial for blackening – it should be hot enough to sear the shrimp but not so hot that the spices burn.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can prevent the shrimp from blackening properly.
   • Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should develop a nice charred crust on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
   • Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely to ensure they don’t overcook and become rubbery.
5. Serve Immediately:
   • Once the shrimp are cooked through and have a nice blackened exterior, remove them from the skillet and serve them however you wish!

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this blackened stove top shrimp recipe? You can totally make it your own. Here are a few easy ways to mix it up:

• Spice it your way: Not into heat? Cut back on the cayenne. Love a fiery kick? Add more or toss in some hot sauce.
• Swap the protein: Don’t like shrimp? Try chicken, fish, or even tofu—just adjust the cooking time.
• Play with seasonings: Add dried thyme, cajun seasoning, or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Want it richer? Use butter instead of olive oil.
• Veg it up: Throw in some bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Serve it your style: Toss the shrimp into a salad, thread them onto skewers, or pile them into tacos—no wrong way to enjoy them.
• Gluten-free? You’re good to go—just double-check any pre-made spice blends.

It’s flexible, fast, and full of flavor. What’s not to love?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions concerning our blackened stove top shrimp:

How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp?

To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat.

Can I Prepare this Dish Ahead of Time?

Blackened shrimp are best enjoyed fresh off the stove, as they lose their texture when reheated. However, you can prepare the spice mixture in advance and coat the shrimp just before cooking to save time.

What If I Don’t Have a Broiler?

If you don’t have a broiler, you can achieve a similar charred effect by cooking the shrimp in a very hot skillet or grill pan. Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the shrimp to get that perfect sear.

Is this Dish Suitable for Freezing?

It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked shrimp as they can become rubbery upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so before cooking and then thaw and cook them as per the recipe instructions.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp for this Recipe?

Using pre-cooked shrimp is not ideal for this recipe, as they can become overcooked and tough during the blackening process. It’s best to use raw shrimp to control the cooking precisely.

What are Some Low-Carb Serving Options?

For a low-carb meal, serve the blackened shrimp over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad. These options keep the meal light yet satisfying.

This blackened stove top shrimp is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—quick, flavorful, and super versatile. Whether you’re serving it up on a weeknight or jazzing it up for guests, it never disappoints. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

More Shrimp Recipes

Can’t get enough healthy shrimp recipes? We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Try these shrimp dishes out next:

• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Shrimp Marinade
• Teriyaki Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
• Cold Sesame Shrimp Zoodles

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