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Juicy, plump shrimp coated in a bold Cajun spice blend and seared in a blazing hot skillet. This classic New Orleans dish is smoky, spicy, and ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Shrimp and Spice Blend
Blacken the Shrimp
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Juicy, plump shrimp coated in a bold Cajun spice blend and seared in a blazing hot skillet. This classic New Orleans dish is smoky, spicy, and ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This cajun_creole recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 222.86 calories per serving with 24.22g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Garnish and Serve
This blackening spice blend is fantastic on other proteins. Try it on chicken tenders, catfish fillets, or firm tofu.
After cooking the shrimp, reduce the heat, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth, then stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a quick, creamy sauce.
Easily control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend. For a milder version, use just a pinch or omit it entirely.
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function, all while being low in calories.
The herbs and spices used in the blackening blend, such as paprika, oregano, and thyme, are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound known to slightly boost metabolism and increase fat burning, contributing to weight management efforts.
Shrimp contains important nutrients like astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to protecting the brain from inflammation and supporting cognitive function.
Each serving of this Blackened Shrimp contains approximately 210-230 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie main dish. The final count depends on the exact size of the shrimp and the amount of butter absorbed.
Yes, Blackened Shrimp can be a very healthy meal. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and low in calories. The dish is packed with flavor from spices rather than heavy sauces. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter used.
Blackening is a cooking technique, not a sign of burnt food. It involves coating the food in a specific spice blend and searing it in a very hot skillet. The dark color comes from the toasted spices and milk solids from the butter forming a flavorful crust, not from burning the shrimp itself.
A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is the best choice. It can withstand and retain the very high temperatures needed for the blackening process, ensuring a perfect, even crust.
The blackening process will create smoke. To manage it, make sure to turn on your range hood fan to its highest setting, open a window, and temporarily disable any nearby smoke detectors if they are very sensitive.
Blackened Shrimp is versatile. It pairs wonderfully with creamy grits, dirty rice, a fresh garden salad, or served in tacos with a mango salsa. You can also serve it over pasta with a light cream sauce.