Why This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Growing up, my mom would make the most incredible Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff for special occasions. The aroma of the spices, the tender shrimp, and the rich, creamy sauce would fill our kitchen, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly anticipating every bite. It was one of those meals that just felt like pure comfort and indulgence.
Years later, as I’ve honed my own cooking skills, I’ve tried to recreate that same magic in my own kitchen. And you know what? This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe is the closest I’ve ever come to capturing the flavors of my childhood. It’s become my go-to dish when I want to impress guests or treat myself to a delicious, satisfying meal.
The Secret Behind Perfect Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
The key to this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe is all in the seasoning. Using a blend of Cajun or blackened seasoning gives the shrimp an incredible depth of flavor and a real kick of heat. The spices caramelize and create a beautiful crust on the shrimp, while the rich, creamy stroganoff sauce perfectly balances out the intensity.
But it’s not just the shrimp that makes this dish so special – the combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic creates a flavor base that’s simply out of this world. And the touch of Dijon mustard and paprika in the sauce adds a subtle complexity that takes it to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The shrimp is the star of the show, so you’ll want to use large, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun or blackened seasoning: This seasoning blend is what gives the shrimp its signature kick and creates that irresistible blackened crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The oil helps the shrimp sear to perfection and brings everything together.
- 1 onion, diced: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish, balancing out the spices.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any good stroganoff, and it pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: The earthy mushrooms complement the richness of the sauce and provide a delightful texture contrast.
- 1 cup beef broth: The broth forms the base of the creamy stroganoff sauce, adding moisture and umami.
- 1 cup sour cream: This ingredient makes the sauce wonderfully thick and tangy, giving the dish its signature creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The Dijon adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A touch of paprika lends a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings help to bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions: The noodles are the perfect base for soaking up all that incredible sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Instructions
Preparing Your Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe comes together in a flash. All you’ll need is a large skillet or sauté pan, a wooden spoon, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with the Cajun or blackened seasoning. Make sure to get an even coating on all sides of the shrimp.
2- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re opaque and develop a beautiful blackened crust.
3- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent.
4- Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté everything together for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown.
5- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6- Finally, add the seared shrimp back to the pan and gently toss everything together. Serve the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning – this helps the Cajun or blackened seasoning adhere better.
2- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the shrimp – work in batches if needed to ensure they get a nice sear.
3- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp – they’ll continue to cook in the sauce, so you want them just barely opaque when you remove them from the pan.
4- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed – some Cajun/blackened seasonings can be quite salty, so you may want to go easy on the added salt.
Serving and Storing Your Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
Perfect Pairings for Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe is the perfect main course for 4 servings. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a refreshing beverage, I’d recommend a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, because this dish is so delicious!), you can store the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the stroganoff to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it for longer-term storage. Allow the stroganoff to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the container in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove as directed above.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
Creative Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Variations
While this classic Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. You could try using a different protein, like chicken or beef, for a different twist. You could also swap out the mushrooms for roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try incorporating some Cajun or Creole spices into the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Making Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this dish, simply use gluten-free egg noodles or serve the stroganoff over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. To make it vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of beef. And for a low-carb adaptation, skip the noodles altogether and serve the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff over a bed of steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of shrimp besides large?
A: Absolutely! You can use medium or even small shrimp in this recipe, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is to make sure the shrimp are cooked through but not overcooked.
Q: How can I ensure the shrimp don’t overcook?
A: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they’re searing, and remove them from the pan as soon as they’re opaque and develop that beautiful blackened crust. They’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce, so you don’t want to let them go too long in the initial sear.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff ahead of time. The flavors will actually develop and meld even better if you make it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe serves 4 people as a main course. If you’re serving it as a side dish or appetizer, it could easily stretch to 6-8 servings.
Q: What if I don’t have Cajun or blackened seasoning?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own Cajun or blackened seasoning blend with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper. Just adjust the spices to your taste.
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the delectable flavors of Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff, a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Tender shrimp is cooked to perfection with a blackened seasoning and combined with a rich, creamy stroganoff sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy egg noodles.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons Cajun or blackened seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with the Cajun or blackened seasoning.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Serve the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
This recipe can be easily customized by using different types of mushrooms or adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach. For a spicier version, increase the amount of Cajun or blackened seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Beef, Fish & Seafood Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick, weeknight dinners that feel like a special occasion. The bold, spicy flavors of the blackened shrimp combined with the velvety, creamy stroganoff sauce is a truly irresistible combination.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the same comfort and indulgence that I grew up with. Once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation, just like it has in mine. So go ahead, fire up that skillet, and get ready to savor every bite of this truly magnificent Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff!
