Blackened Shrimp is a deliciously flavorful and easy Cajun recipe. Simply sprinkle prepared shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sugar, then sauté with garlic and butter until cooked through and beautifully blackened.
Peel, devein, and remove the tails from all of the shrimp, if you prefer. Add the shrimp to a large bowl and then pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Whisk together the seasoning, sugar, and salt in a small bowl and then sprinkle the mix over the shrimp. Toss until they’re well coated.
Add the butter to a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Wait until it melts and then add in the garlic. Saute for 15-30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done cooking when they become opaque and their tails begin to curl.
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Notes
If you don’t have Blackened or Cajun seasoning, you can also substitute with: 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. black pepper, ½ tsp. dried thyme, ½ tsp. dried oregano, ¼-½ tsp. cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp. salt (for a total of ¾ tsp. salt)
Meal Prep and Storage
How to prep ahead of time: Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can mix up the seasoning ahead of time.
How to store: Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.
How to freeze: For the best flavor, you need to freeze shrimp soon after cooking. Line the leftovers on a tray in a single layer and place it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag and store it for 12 months.
How to reheat: You can warm the shrimp back up in a skillet over medium heat. You can try the microwave, but the texture won't be as good.