Blackened shrimp with mango salsa is the perfect weeknight meal for busy days when you need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Shrimp cooks very quickly, in 5 minutes or less, making it a great protein to have on hand at all times. This tropical dish is especially wonderful during summer months. Pair it with a delicious cocktail like a guava or passion fruit margarita for an instant trip to the tropics!
I love the addition of mango salsa to this dish. Fresh mango adds another dimension of flavor which brightens up the blackened shrimp. I also like to add a drizzle of chipotle crema and a sprinkle of cilantro for a little razzle dazzle. Fresh lime wedges also add a nice taste of citrus. Add this recipe to your weeknight meal rotation!
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What are blackened shrimp?
Blackened shrimp are coated in a homemade blackening seasoning and seared in a hot pan so that the seasoning forms a black crust on the shrimp. The shrimp are not burned, they just appear black because the seasoning turns black when it is seared and forms a crispy crust.
I tweaked the blackening seasoning in this recipe by omitting cumin and chili powder. I personally prefer lighter flavors, but if you enjoy spicy and smoky shrimp, go ahead and add those spices in. If you enjoy some heat, add cayenne powder as well!
Blackening is a Cajun style of cooking that features a blend of flavorful spices and brown sugar. The shrimp are coated in the spice blend before being pan seared to crispy perfection! Blackened shrimp are a favorite in many parts of the Caribbean and pair perfectly with bright, tropical flavors like mango and pineapple.
Blackened shrimp ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Garlic cloves
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Adobo, Healthy Rican
- Sazón, Healthy Rican
- Black pepper
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
I love to use Healthy Rican seasonings because they are free of harmful ingredients like MSG and dyes. Use my code: madewithsazon for 10% off your Healthy Rican order!
How to make blackened shrimp?
Remove shells and devain the shrimp. Rinse well with cold water and lime juice. Pat dry. Combine the spices in a large mixing bowl. Add the shrimp to the spice blend and toss until well combined. If you have extra time, set aside to marinate for 30 minutes. (In the meantime, make the mango salsa!)
Add avocado oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Avocado oil has a high smoke point which makes it a great choice for searing the shrimp. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. You’ll want to get a nice, dark sear on both sides. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss the shrimp to coat with the garlic. Garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro over top.
What to serve with camarones a la parilla?
Serve blackened shrimp with your favorite sides like arroz blanco, arroz con gandules, or ensalada de papa and tostones.
You can also make tacos, a salad or lettuce boats! Top with mango salsa, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of chipotle crema for a 5-star meal that the whole family will love!
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Blackened Shrimp with Mango Salsa (Camarones a la Parilla con Salsa de Mango)
Equipment
- 1 grill pan or cast iron skillet see notes for links!
Ingredients
Blackened Shrimp
- 2 lbs shrimp uncooked, peeled
- 1 tbsp avocado oil for searing
- 6 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp adobo Healthy Rican
- 1 tsp sazón Healthy Rican
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 sprigs cilantro for garnish
- lime wedges for garnish
Mango Salsa
- 2 ripe mangos diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 3 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño seeded & minced (optional)
- 1/2 avocado diced (optional)
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/8 tsp salt or to taste
Chipotle crema
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp chipotles in adobo or to taste
Instructions
Blackened Shrimp
- Remove shells and devain the shrimp. Rinse well with cold water and lime juice. Pat dry.
- Combine the spices in a large mixing bowl. Add the shrimp to the spice blend and toss until well combined.
- Add the avocado oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss the shrimp to coat with the garlic.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro over top.
Mango Salsa
- In a bowl, combine the mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle with the lime juice and season with salt.
- For best results, let the mango salsa rest for 30 minutes or more.
Chipotle crema
- Add all ingredients for the crema in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Transfer to a squeeze bottle, if desired.