I’ve always loved the bold flavors of blackened shrimp, so I set out to create a blackened shrimp recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make. I started by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to keep them tender and flavorful.

Then, I crafted a special spice blend with paprika, cayenne, and herbs to give that perfect smoky kick. To top it all off, I whipped up a creamy remoulade sauce that complements the spicy shrimp perfectly. This blackened shrimp recipe not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive on any plate, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Blackening Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Remoulade Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon pickles, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.

2. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set Aside: Stir the seasoning blend until well mixed and set aside.

3. Make the Remoulade Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, chopped pickles, and minced garlic.
2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.
3. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.

4. Cook the Shrimp

1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect blackened crust.
2. Season the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Generously coat each shrimp with the blackening seasoning on both sides.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Add a small amount of olive oil to the hot skillet. Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a crispy, blackened exterior.
4. Remove and Rest: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and let them rest for a minute.

5. Serve

1. Plate the Shrimp: Arrange the blackened shrimp on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the creamy remoulade sauce over the shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and add lemon wedges and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
4. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and juicy.

Enjoyed this blackened shrimp? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board to keep the recipe handy and share the deliciousness with others!

Tips for the Perfect Blackened Shrimp

• High Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the shrimp to achieve that signature blackened crust without overcooking the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure even cooking.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to suit your spice preference.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grains: Serve the blackened shrimp over cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
• Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for soft tacos, topped with avocado slices, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a lighter option.
• Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra remoulade sauce for dipping.

Imagine a warm, creamy block of feta cheese, beautifully baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, and fragrant herbs. This baked feta with olives, basil, and rosemary is a dish that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or hosting friends, this easy-to-make appetizer is a surefire hit. The combination of marinated vegetables and melted feta creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making every bite irresistible.

Serve it with slices of crusty French baguette and watch it disappear in no time. Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Baked Feta with Olives and Basil Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• French bread or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine the olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and lemon zest.
   • Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the olive oil and spices.
   • Let the mixture marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Feta:
   • Slice the block of feta cheese in half horizontally so you have two thinner blocks.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
   • In a medium-sized baking dish, place one half of the feta cheese.
   • Spread half of the marinated mixture over the feta.
   • Place the second half of the feta cheese on top of the first layer.
   • Spread the remaining marinated mixture on top of the second layer of feta.
5. Bake the Dish:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is golden and slightly melted, and the tomatoes are soft and blistered.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped rosemary and parsley.
   • Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

If this baked feta with olives has won you over, why not spread the love? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and let your friends enjoy it too. Happy cooking and sharing!

Video Recipe

Tips and Variations

Tips

1. Marinate Longer: For an even more intense flavor, let the marinated mixture sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. If it cools down, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
3. Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
4. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil and rosemary on hand, they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.

Variations

1. Add Capers: For an extra briny flavor, mix in a tablespoon of capers with the olives and tomatoes.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
3. Different Cheeses: Try using other types of cheese like goat cheese or halloumi for a different twist on this dish.
4. Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinated mixture.
5. Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.

Enjoy experimenting with these tips and variations to make the dish your own!

Let’s embrace a slice of Austrian culinary tradition with our Apricot Cake with Marzipan recipe! Following in the footsteps of such classics as Sachertorte, Wiener Apfelstrudel, and Wiener Schnitzel, this cake combines the subtle sweetness of apricots with the rich, nutty flavor of marzipan.

It’s a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to expand their baking skills with a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Discover how simple and enjoyable it can be to bring a piece of Austrian tradition into your home with this beloved dessert. Let’s get started on this delightful voyage through Austria’s celebrated baking heritage!

Apricot Cake with Marzipan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10-12 Fresh apricots, halved and pitted
• 7 tablespoons marzipan
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon milk

Equipment:

• Baking tray
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease your baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Yolk Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the marzipan and powdered sugar. Add egg yolks and beat using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in Butter:
   • Incorporate the softened butter into the yolk mixture until well combined.
4. Prepare Egg White Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks develop.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, and baking powder.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in Egg Whites:
   • Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the main batter using a rubber spatula to keep the mixture light and airy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading evenly. Arrange the apricot halves, cut side up, on top of the batter, pressing them slightly into the mixture.
9. Baking:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 320°F (160°C) and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cooling:
    • Allow the cake to cool in the tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Absolutely in love with this Apricot and Marzipan Cake? Click the image below and pin it to your favorite Pinterest board! Share this mouthwatering recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

Variations, Tips, and Tricks for Apricot and Marzipan Cake

Variations:

1. Different Fruits: While apricots are traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches, plums, or cherries to tailor the cake to your taste or seasonal availability.
2. Nutty Flavors: Swap out marzipan for almond paste or even add a handful of sliced almonds or walnuts into the batter for a crunchier texture.
3. Citrus Twist: Add a dash of orange zest along with the lemon zest for an extra citrusy kick that complements the sweetness of the fruit and marzipan.
4. Spice It Up: Introduce spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the flour mixture to add a warm and aromatic flavor, perfect for colder months.

Tips:

1. Apricot Placement: Place apricot halves snugly and slightly overlapping to ensure every slice is fruit-packed.
2. Marzipan Handling: If the marzipan is tough to stir, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds or grate it for easier mixing.
3. Even Baking: Since the fruit adds moisture, check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick in several places, especially where the batter is visible.

Tricks:

1. Prevent Fruit Sinking: Dust the apricot halves lightly with flour before placing them on the batter. This helps to keep them afloat during baking.
2. Enhance Flavor: Let the cake cool in the tray wrapped in a tea towel. This method helps the flavors to meld beautifully and keeps the cake moist.
3. Quick Cool Down: To cool the cake faster, place it near a window or a cooler area of your kitchen, but avoid drafty spots to prevent uneven cooling and texture.