Blackened BBQ Grilled Shrimp

This dish calls on the Cajun tradition of "blackening," which involves buttering and seasoning fish (or shrimp, in this case) before sizzling it in a hot cast-iron pan. For this dish, however, feel free to use a cast-iron stovetop grill or thread the shrimp onto skewers to cook on a gas or charcoal grill. Any way you decide to make it, this dish will become a favorite.

Ingredients

Blackened Spices

• 2 tablespoons smoked or regular paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

BBQ Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup Challenge Dairy Butter, melted
• Bamboo skewers soaked in water (optional)
  

Instructions

1. Blackened Spices: Combine the blackening spices together in a small bowl until mixed well.
2. BBQ Shrimp: Brush the shrimp generously with melted butter.
3. Generously coat each with blackening seasoning.
4. If using a BBQ grill, thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat, 1-2 minutes per side. The shrimp should be pink and opaque. Serve hot.
5. If using a cast iron skillet, pre-heat to medium-high and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side.

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Challenge Dairy