Description
This flavorful Blackened Shrimp recipe features perfectly spiced and seared shrimp served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and corn. The shrimp are coated with a smoky, slightly sweet spice blend and quickly cooked in a skillet, making it a quick and delicious meal ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Spice Mix
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails ON)
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnishes and Sides
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (to garnish)
- Lime wedges (to garnish)
- 1 cup cooked Jasmine rice
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup canned corn (drained and washed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, allowing the spices to adhere better, and set them aside.
- Mix the Spice Blend: In a bowl or on a plate, combine red chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing to create a uniform spice blend.
- Coat and Marinate Shrimp: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is well coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Cook the shrimp in batches, placing them in the skillet and searing for 2-3 minutes on one side until blackened, then flipping and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Garnish the Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: Arrange the cooked jasmine rice in bowls, then top with slices of avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, drained corn, and the blackened shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry to ensure a good sear and blackening effect.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and brown sugar to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming the shrimp; cook in batches for best results.
- Jasmine rice can be replaced with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that all seasoning ingredients, especially the chili powder and paprika, contain no additives with gluten.