Blackened Shrimp Recipe

This easy blackened shrimp recipe is a low-carb easy appetizer, packed with bold flavors and ready in just 10 minutes. You can eat it as a side dish or pair it with a salad for an easy lunch!

Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly, so this is the perfect dish to make for busy weeknights. Add this to your list of healthy recipes when you need some inspiration.

This delicious blackened shrimp recipe is made in a cast-iron skillet, which is just what you need for this appetizer's charred flavor. The result is not the same when you use a stainless steel hot pan.

My homemade blackened seasoning comprises a blend of spices containing smoked paprika, cayenne or chili powder, and other herbs. These spices work together to give a rich, smoky, and vibrant flavor.

This easy recipe is gluten-free and keto-friendly with 0 net carbs! It is definitely one of my favorite recipes.

Ingredients Used

• Fresh shrimp: I used raw medium shrimps that were already peeled and deveined, but you can use any size: jumbo, large or small, all work for this simple recipe. I like to buy them already peeled and deveined, but you can do it yourself to save on cost. You can also use frozen shrimp for this recipe, but I use fresh shrimp for the best results.
• Olive oil: Binds your spices together for an excellent marinade. It also helps you achieve a nice crust on your shrimp.
• Spices: I use a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and salt.

How To Make Blackened Shrimp

1. First things first, peel and devein your shrimps if you need to, then give them a good rinse and pat them dry.
2. Then, place shrimp in a medium bowl and drizzle with a little bit of oil. Next, mix the spices together in a small bowl and rub them all over the shrimp. This is an important step that must not be skipped.
3. Let the shrimp marinate for about an hour in the fridge if you have some time. This step is optional.
4. There are different ways to blacken your shrimp, but you can use any of these methods:

Stovetop method:

• Heat some olive oil in a cast-iron pan and add the shrimps in a single layer.
• Do not overcrowd or stack them.
• Let the shrimp cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat, flip, then cook for 5 minutes on the other side.
• Stir till the shrimps are blackened, then place them in a paper towel to drain some of the oil from it. You can also double this flavorful shrimp recipe for a healthy dinner.

Oven method: Bake the shrimp for 10 minutes at 350°F medium heat in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Air fryer method: The cooking process of this easy shrimp recipe is almost the same as the oven method. Just preheat the air fryer to 400F and bake for 5 minutes in a single layer. Flip and bake for 5 more minutes.

Storing and Reheating

My favorite way is to store them is in an airtight container. Cooked shrimp keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Blackened shrimp can also be stored in the freezer for about 3 months when placed in a sealed plastic food bag.

Reheat shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop. Place the shrimps on a heatproof dish and zap them in the microwave for a minute or longer if frozen.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the shrimps in a lightly oiled skillet and heat until fully warmed throughout. Flip them to ensure they are evenly warmed.

What can I eat this recipe with?

Blackened shrimp is the kind of protein that goes with almost any side. It's extremely versatile. It also makes a tasty Valentine's Day appetizer!

You can stuff the shrimp in homemade cheese shells or lettuce. Add blackened shrimp to your favorite low carb pasta dishes, or top your salads with some shrimp. 

Drizzle your blackened shrimp with a sauce of your choice! You can go with a spicy mayo sauce, garlic chili sauce, or this spicy African sauce.

Try this low carb shrimp dish with African kachumbari salad, broccoli salad, spicy avocado salsa, cauliflower rice, or low carb coleslaw. Roasted veggies go really great with this dish!

Tips and variations

• When making your marinade, have fun with the spices in your spice cabinet or pantry. Paprika and cayenne are key for blackening the shrimp, but after that, you can add any dried herbs that you like. Mix it up with spices like creole seasoning, garlic powder, lime juice, onion powder, or you could add hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make sure you cook the shrimp in a single layer to get that charred flavor.
• If this option is available to you, you can grill your blackened shrimp. Use an outdoor barbeque for added smokiness. If you have an electric grill, this is a great excuse to bust it out.
• Be careful not to overcook your shrimp. Overcooking makes them tough and overly chewy. Monitor your shrimp closely for a perfectly tender bite.

Check out these other amazing seafood recipes!

Palmini Noodles with Shrimp

Keto Shrimp Curry

Air Fried Cod

Spicy Shrimp Skewers

Oven Baked Salmon

Need more low carb main dish recipes or dinner recipes? You'll love these!

Chicken Hearts with Mushrooms

Instant Pot Bone-in Pork Chops

Keto Crack Slaw

Chicken Brochettes

Shish Kebab

📖 Recipe