Grilled Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Grilled Blackened Shrimp Recipe – the ultimate grilling season food. Learn how to make the perfect grilled blackened shrimp at home. Served with grilled corn on the cob and grilled potatoes in foil. Use this grilled shrimp for tacos, salads or wraps.

I’m extremely excited about summer, how about you? Grilling and outdoor entertainment are so much fun.

This is a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.

For me, summers are usually full of parties and gatherings with family and friends.

There is nothing better, than spending time with my favorite people, outdoors with good food.

This grilled blackened shrimp recipe that I’ll share with you today is just perfect for this time of the year.

I love seafood and blackened shrimp is one of my favorite seafood meals.

It reminds me of our trips to the gulf of Mexico.

But since we are back home right now, I decided to recreate my favorite blackened shrimp and it turned out amazing!

What does “blackened” mean?

For food (in cooking) blackening is a cooking technique used in preparation of meat, fish and seafood, which involves a “blackened” seasoning and then sautéing, grilling or baking the meats. You can dip or brush the raw meat with melted butter or olive oil, then rub the seasoning, which will make it stick easily to the meats.

I have a great recipe for Blackened Cod Fish Tacos, where I use the same technique to season and cook cod. It tastes amazing! Full of wonderful flavor.

Do you have to marinate the shrimp in “blackened marinade” or you just cover it in spices and grill right away?

There is no need to marinate the shrimp. Just cover with the spice mix and cook. If you’d like to take the extra step, you can certainly marinate (or leave the uncooked shrimp with the spice on) for 30 minutes, then cook it.

What are the typical spices in blackened seasoning?

These are by no means the only spices used in blackening and you should use whatever matches your taste, but some spices in the rub, used to make blackened meats are:

• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• thyme (I rarely use it)
• oregano
• paprika
• chili powder
• cayenne pepper

You can use all of them together or a combination of some of these spices.

What is the difference between between blackened and cajun?

When I was a teenager I used to work at a restaurant, that offered a lot of Cajun dishes and of course blackened seafood items, so this question was common from some of the quests.

The thing is that both “blackened” and Cajun” seasoning blends contain the same four spices – garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and paprika, but Cajun seasoning tends to be a lot more spicy. Creole spice is somewhat similar to Cajun seasoning. I usually add some extra heat with Cayenne pepper.

To bring more depth in flavor, you can add both smoked and regular paprika in any of these spice blends (blackened, Creole and Cajun).

Difference between blackened and grilled?

What if you are at a restaurant and have the option to order your fish, chicken, seafood or steak “grilled” or “blackened”?

The thing is that “grilled” usually refers to just plain seasoning like salt, pepper, sometimes lemon juice and garlic powder.

While “blackened” could be either grilled, broiled or sautéed, it refers to the spices and seasonings used in the foods. So your blackened protein will be covered in spices like paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, which bring a deep flavor and less or more spicy taste.

So “blackened” shrimp can be also grilled. But “grilled ” food in restaurants may not be “blackened”.

What ingredients do you need to make this grilled blackened shrimp recipe?

Seasoned shrimp, juicy and flavorful, grilled to perfection and brushed with melted garlic butter, right off the grill.

• peeled jumbo shrimp
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• oregano
• cumin (optional)
• cayenne
• butter

How to make blackened shrimp on the grill?

1. Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat (450-500 F).

   Soak 8 wooden skewers in cold water (or use metal skewers) for 15 minutes, before threading the shrimp onto them.

2. Combine all ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl.

   Wash and pat dry shrimp. Season with seasoning mix.

3. Skewer shrimp onto skewers. Place on the grill. Cook for 2 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Do not overcook or burn, it really needs just 1-2 minutes per side.

   Brush with garlic butter. (This is a mix of melted butter, pressed or minced garlic or garlic powder and salt)

   Can you skip the skewers and grill shrimp directly on the grill?

Yes, absolutely! If the shrimp is large enough to not fall between the grill grates you can place it directly on the grill, no skewers required. Keep in mind that skewers make the grilling process easier and quick. Imagine placing the shrimp one by one on the grill grates, by the time you place all of it, the first ones will be cooked or even overcooked.

What to serve this blackened shrimp with?

I  served it with Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter and grilled Greek potatoes in foil. Both recipes are on my blog.

Additional side dish and serving suggestions:

• Make this  Shrimp and Vegetable Bowl
• Serve with grits: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
• Low-Carb Side: Keto Mashed Cauliflower

What to use grilled blackened shrimp for:

There are quite a few options on how to serve this seasoned blackened shrimp.

1. Serve on its own with a side of veggies or over grits, quinoa or with rice.
2. Top a salad with blackened shrimp.
3. Use in soups, tostadas, sandwiches.

Important tips, when cooking shrimp on the grill:

1. Using wooden skewers makes grilling shrimp easier.
2. This way there is no chance of the shrimp falling between the grill grates.
3. Seasoning is important.
4. Feel free to use my blackened shrimp seasoning.
5. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp.
6. It really needs no more than 2 minutes per side (depending on the size).
7. Brush shrimp with melted butter right off the grill.
8. This will make it extra juicy and delicious.
9. Last, but not least – serve shrimp with Corona Extra.
10. It just makes the moment more enjoyable.