• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Low Carb Africa logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Free Keto Meal Plan
  • Helpful Resources
  • Shop Digital Products
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Appetizers and Sides

    Mar 24, 2021

    Blackened Shrimp Recipe

    Published on Mar 24, 2021. Updated on Jan 18, 2025. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    blackened shrimp pinterest image

    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!

    how to blacken shrimps in a pan

    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

    raw shrimps, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper
    • 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.

    collage showing how to mix shrimps with spices

    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!

    shrimps with spices on a cast iron skillet

    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

    low carb blackened shrimp appetizer

    📖 Recipe

    how to blacken shrimps in a pan

    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!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Course: Appetizers and side dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 177kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Wash and pat dry shrimp.
    • Drizzle about a tablespoon of oil and mix with all spices.
    • Refrigerate for about an hour (optional if you have time).

    On the stovetop:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron pot.
    • Spread shrimps on a single layer (do not stack).
    • Cook about 5 mins on both sides or until shrimp is blackened.

    In the oven:

    • Preheat oven to 350F.
    • Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Bake for 10 mins.

    In the air fryer

    • Preheat air fryer to 400F.
    • Spread shrimps in a single layer and bake for 5 mins.
    • Flip and bake for another 5 minutes.

    Notes

    This recipe serves 4 and contains 0 net carbs per serving!
    • 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 shrimps 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 shrimp makes them tough and overly chewy. For a perfectly tender bite, monitor your shrimps closely.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1172mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 3mg
    Follow Me On Youtube Watch me make my recipes from scratch!
    Get My Keto Ebooks for 15% Off! Get both my ebooks with over 50 recipes for just $22.08!

    More Keto Low Carb Appetizers & Side Dishes

    • Gome Wat in a pot
      Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
    • keto fish cakes
      Keto Fish Cakes
    • sauteed green beans and mushrooms
      Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms
    • Instant Pot Asparagus

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pat Nugent says

      February 24, 2024 at 8:11 am

      What temp do you use in air fryer?

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        May 13, 2024 at 10:13 pm

        400F. I added it to the recipe. Thanks.

        Reply
    2. Ann King says

      December 02, 2023 at 5:30 pm

      Is the Sodium: 1172mg per serving?!!!!

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        December 29, 2023 at 7:37 pm

        Yes, that is correct. Shrimps are actually naturally high in sodium.

        Reply
    3. Jess says

      September 06, 2023 at 5:10 pm

      What is the serving size for this serving size? I want to meal prep!

      Reply
      • Tayo says

        September 14, 2023 at 8:58 am

        I just split it into 4 equal parts.

        Reply
    4. Joell says

      April 28, 2023 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      These are delicious
      Will make again

      Reply
      • Tayo says

        June 15, 2023 at 12:56 am

        I'm glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Ramya says

      March 25, 2021 at 5:38 am

      will be making this soon can i use mushrooms instead as am a vegan sorry for early comment as am in Singapore will dm you if i make this and let you know how tt goes Thanks Ramya

      Reply
      • Tayo says

        March 26, 2021 at 11:48 am

        You might be able to use mushrooms but cook it for a shorter time. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tayo!

    tayo oredola

    Welcome to Low Carb Africa, the home of Keto & Low Carb African-inspired recipes. I specialize in creating mouthwatering recipes with rich, bold, and spicy flavors. Get ready to lose weight, look amazing and be in your best health ever!

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Soup Favorites

    • Keto Cabbage Soup
    • Keto Mushroom Soup
    • Goat Meat Pepper Soup
      Goat Meat Pepper Soup
    • Keto chicken noodle soup
      Keto Chicken Noodle Soup

    Reader Favorites

    • jamaican oxtail soup
      Oxtail Soup Recipe
    • low carb keto palmini pasta
      Palmini Pasta Shrimp Stir Fry
    • Sausage and Spinach Frittata
      Sausage and Spinach Frittata
    • spicy cabbage soup ready to eat
      Spicy Cabbage Soup

    Popular African Recipes

    • efo riro
      Efo Riro - Nigerian Spinach Stew
    • Nigerian okro soup
      Okro Soup - Nigerian Okra Soup
    • asun meat peppered goat meat ready to eat
      Asun Recipe (Peppered Goat Meat)
    • close up shot of African chicken stew
      Nigerian Chicken Stew
    • Nigerian egusi soup in a white bowl
      Egusi Soup
    • Nigerian ogbono soup ready to eat
      Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Browse

    • Recipe Index
    • Shop Digital Products
    • Amazon Store

    Resources

    • Free 7-day keto meal plan
    • African Spices & Seasonings
    • How To Be Successful on Keto
    • What is Fufu?

    Information

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    COPYRIGHT © 2025. Low Carb Africa, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Low Carb Africa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.