Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together in minutes, look no further than Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp. This dish stands out not only for its taste but also for its simplicity. The shrimp are coated in a savory blend of spices and seared to perfection, creating a delicious, charred exterior that captures the essence of classic Southern cuisine. Paired with a tangy remoulade sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, blackened shrimp can elevate any meal. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let’s get started!

Ingredients about Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

List of ingredients with measurements

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 2 teaspoons capers, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon pickle juice
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you find yourself without some of these ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Mayonnaise can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Instead of whole grain mustard, you can use Dijon mustard or yellow mustard.
• If Cajun seasoning isn’t available, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can give you a similar flavor.
• For a bit of citrusy zing, you might add a few drops of lemon juice to your remoulade.

How to Make Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the remoulade sauce

Begin by making the remoulade sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, sweet paprika, Cajun or Creole seasoning, chopped capers, horseradish, pickle juice, hot sauce, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to mix all ingredients together until they are well combined and achieve a uniform consistency. This sauce can be served right away, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 2: Season the shrimp

While the remoulade sauce chills, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, dried thyme, black pepper, and onion powder. This spice blend will enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor and give them a delightful kick.

Once the spice mixture is ready, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle the spice blend over the shrimp and toss them until they are evenly coated. Make sure each shrimp is covered in the flavorful seasoning for the best taste.

Step 3: Heat the skillet

Now, grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat for a minute or two. Once hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Swirl the oil around so it evenly coats the bottom of the skillet. This will help prevent the shrimp from sticking and ensure that they get that beautiful blackened exterior.

Step 4: Cook the shrimp

It’s time to cook the shrimp! Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on one side until they turn opaque and begin to curl into a “J” shape. Once that side is cooked, flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional minute. You want them to be perfectly cooked through without being overdone. Once they are opaque and have that lovely char, remove them from the skillet.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Best ways to serve Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp can be served in various ways depending on your occasion. For a light meal, simply plate the shrimp and serve with a generous dollop of the remoulade sauce on the side. This can double as a dipping sauce, adding a delightful contrast to the spiced shrimp.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving the shrimp on skewers for easy handling. You can also place them over a bed of greens or alongside a vibrant salad to add freshness to the dish.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Pairing the blackened shrimp with sides can enhance your meal. Consider serving them with:

• Rice: A fluffy jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully, soaking up the flavors.
• Vegetables: Steamed or grilled asparagus, zucchini, or mixed veggies will complement the dish.
• Corn on the cob: A summer favorite that brings a sweet crunch to the table.
• Tortillas: Create shrimp tacos, adding fresh toppings such as avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

How to Store Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Proper storage methods

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, storing it correctly is essential. Let the shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Ideally, consume leftovers within 1-2 days to ensure freshness. The remoulade sauce should also be cooled and stored in a separate container, lasting about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Tips for reheating or freezing

To reheat the shrimp, be gentle to avoid overcooking them. You can warm them in a skillet on low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds, checking to ensure they don’t become tough. If you want to freeze the shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for about 1-2 months.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Common mistakes to avoid

One of the most common mistakes when cooking shrimp is overcooking, leading to tough, rubbery texture. Ensure you keep a close eye on the cooking time. Remember that shrimp will continue to cook for a bit after being removed from heat.

Also, be careful not to overcrowd your skillet. If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss that blackened flavor.

Helpful tips for better results

• Use fresh shrimp when you can. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh shrimp generally have a better texture and taste.
• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve that desirable char.
• Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your taste preferences. If you enjoy it hot, add more cayenne pepper; for less heat, reduce it.

Variation of Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

While this recipe is delicious as is, consider trying some variations to suit your taste. For a fruity twist, incorporate slices of fresh pineapple or mango in the last moments of cooking. The sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the spice.

You can also experiment with your seasonings. If you have a favorite spice blend, try using that in place of the specific seasonings in this recipe.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For a healthier option, consider grilling the shrimp instead of pan-frying them. This significantly reduces the amount of oil needed and still offers that delicious flavor. If you are avoiding mayo or dairy, substitute with avocado or tahini in your sauce for a similar creamy texture.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your shrimp are not cooking evenly or not getting color, check that your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp. If they are sticking, it may be that you need to add a little more oil. Also, ensure that you’re not overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the remoulade sauce the day before and keep it in the fridge, where it can enhance in flavor. As for the shrimp, it’s best to season them right before cooking, but you can peel and devein them ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

There are numerous substitutions you can make depending on what you have on hand. If you don’t have horseradish, you can leave it out or use a little extra mustard for some tang. For cayenne pepper, smoked paprika can give you a similar heat with a different flavor profile. If you do not have capers, olives can be a great swap, providing brininess.

Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp is a culinary delight that brings flavor and flair to your table. With its simple preparation, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to gatherings with friends and family. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and enjoy the explosion of flavors that you’ll create.

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