Shrimp Seasoning Recipe is a quick-fix, homemade spice blend packed with flavor thanks to five common ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet.
Each spice was carefully selected to pair wonderfully with shrimp, and let me tell you -- this mix works. It's safe to consider this your new, all-purpose shrimp seasoning recipe. Whether you're pan-searing, roasting, or baking shrimp, this savory blend will help you serve up a delicious dinnertime win fast.
Just like our go-to chicken and all-purpose seasoning recipes, this spice mix is beyond quick and easy to throw together.
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Why This Recipe Works
We're no novice when it comes to working with shrimp (we have 30-plus recipes dedicated to shrimp on our site!). Prized for its delicate, sweet flavor, our goal was for this shrimp seasoning to strike the perfect balance of enhancing the flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it.
We nailed that dynamic duo with this shrimp taco seasoning, which our readers also love in these quesadillas and our sizzling shrimp fajitas. So naturally, next on the list of recipes we wanted to conquer was an all-purpose shrimp seasoning that works with any cuisine and cooking method. Check and check.
The spices used in this shrimp seasoning recipe are flavor chameleons and can slide into any cuisine, any recipe, and any cooking method seamlessly. It works on air fried, stuffed, or even smothered shrimp --this seasoning really can do it all.
Ingredients
Paprika | Paprika and shrimp are a perfect and classic pairing. This spice enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. To add smoky vibes to your shrimp dish without firing up the grill, use smoked paprika. This is an ingredient we love and also a key ingredient in our meatloaf seasoning. It's an absolute pantry staple we keep on hand at all times.
Garlic + Onion Powder | Garlic and onion are the reigning champs for flavor and aromatics. No shrimp seasoning recipe is complete without this powerhouse duo. We use this combo in every single one of our spice blends--even for breakfast!
Kosher Salt | Kosher salt has a milder and more delicate flavor than table salt or sea salt. It is by far the best salt option there is for delicately flavored proteins like shrimp. We took the same approach when curating our prime rib seasoning.
Pepper | We personally love the kick and color cayenne pepper adds to shrimp recipes, but if you are sensitive to heat, use black pepper instead. And if you do choose to use the red pepper, keep in mind, a little cayenne goes a long way.
More Spices that Work with Shrimp
Our goal for this shrimp seasoning recipe was to keep it as versatile as possible, but if you'd like to gear it toward a specific cuisine, see below for additional flavor enhancements.
Mexican | Add chili powder and cumin for a Tex-Mex kick. We can confidently say that it works like a charm in this Mexican shrimp cocktail.
Cajun | Borrow a few spices from blackened seasoning, and you've got yourself a pan full of blackened shrimp. Use smoked paprika instead of regular and add dried thyme and oregano--perfect for Louisiana masterpieces like Cajun shrimp pasta and po'boys.
Italian | For some gorgeous Italian vibes, lemon zest with Italian seasoning is where it's at. And this shrimp pesto pasta is proof!
How to Season Shrimp
Shrimp should be seasoned before cooking; however, before you season the shrimp, you need to prepare the shrimp!
Prep the Shrimp | First, peel and devein the shrimp.
Then, you'll need to remove the excess moisture. Unless you're making a dish like steamed shrimp or ceviche, this step is actually very important because seasoning adheres better to oil than it does to water.
In addition to that, watery shrimp will not cook properly, especially if you're cooking over direct heat.
You'll start by removing the excess moisture from the exterior of the shrimp. Lay down a few layers of paper towels, followed by a single layer of shrimp on top. Add another layer of paper towels over the shrimp and gently press to remove as much of the excess moisture as possible. You might need to wipe down the counters afterward, but this method is so much easier than patting the shrimp dry individually.
Add Oil and Shrimp Seasoning | Next, add your shrimp to a mixing bowl and drizzle with cooking oil (we like avocado or olive oil!), then sprinkle your seasoning over the shrimp and toss until evenly combined.
Cook your shrimp according to recipe directions, serve, and enjoy!
How to Know When Shrimp is Done
Shrimp that is fully cooked through will be completely opaque in the center, with tails curled inward. The shrimp should not feel mushy but semi-firm to the touch.
What to Serve with Shrimp
When you've got some perfectly seasoned shrimp ready to go, the possibilities are endless!
Appetizer | Roast up some shrimp and serve with cocktail sauce for a classic starter that never disappoints, or take things up a notch with crispy, golden fried batch of shrimp and serve with a zesty remoulade. Want to really impress? Wrap shrimp in bacon and watch the crowd go wild—bacon-wrapped shrimp is the ultimate party-pleaser!
Grains | When it comes to pairing grains with shrimp, you've got plenty of delicious options to soak up all that flavor! Rice is always a go-to—whether it’s a simple side of shrimp and rice, a creamy risotto, or a bold and spicy Cajun rice loaded with seasoning. And, of course, we can’t forget shrimp and grits, a classic Cajun recipe where pan-seared shrimp is served over buttery grits immersed in a savory sauce.
Pasta | Shrimp and pasta are a match made in carb-loving heaven, and there are so many ways to mix things up! Toss those juicy shrimps into a bold and spicy jambalaya pasta for a Cajun-inspired feast, or stir them into rich, creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Craving something indulgent? Alfredo with shrimp is a classic, velvety dream. Keep it simple with a garlicky spaghetti or take things in an Asian-inspired direction with flavorful chow mein.
Veggies | Shrimp might be the dinnertime superstar, but the right veggies make the perfect co-stars! Serve shrimp alongside fresh, flavorful sides like asparagus, corn, broccolini, zucchini, or yellow squash, adding color and crunch to your plate. For a pop of sweetness and a little charred goodness, roasted tomatoes are a total game-changer.
Salad | Shrimp and salads makes for a light and delicious lunch or dinner! Toss some shrimp into a hearty quinoa salad for a protein-packed bite or sub them in for the protein in a classic Cobb salad or zesty fajita salad for a delicious twist. They’re absolutely delicious over a creamy Caesar, and they pair perfectly alongside our favorite summertime burrata salad for a light yet satisfying meal. And if you're looking for something bright and refreshing, you can't go wrong with a chilled shrimp and avocado salad that’s as creamy as it is delicious.
How to Store Shrimp
Serve | Shrimp loses heat quickly, so allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes, and plan to serve ASAP after finished cooking.
Store | Keep for two days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Reheat | Shrimp overcooks quickly. Use this pro tip: cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Then, microwave at 30-second increments until warmed through.
Freeze | Store in an airtight container with a little headspace or a freezer-safe, zip-top bag with the air removed and sealed, and freeze for up to three months.
5 More Shrimp Recipes You'll Love
Shrimp Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Mix spices together and use per pound of shrimp. Cook according to recipe instructions and enjoy!
Nutrition
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