There’s something wonderfully unexpected about Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff—a dish that marries the bold, smoky spice of blackened seasoning with the creamy, comforting embrace of classic stroganoff sauce. It’s a recipe that instantly transports me back to those long afternoons in my mum’s kitchen in southern England, where experimenting with flavors was always encouraged (even if my lemon cake without sugar wasn’t quite a winner!). This dish feels like a delicious bridge between my roots and my life now in sunny San Diego, where fresh seafood and bold flavors are never far away. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that balances spice, creaminess, and the lightness of shrimp, this one’s for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
What makes this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff stand out is its perfect blend of contrasting flavors and textures. The blackened seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up the palate, while the creamy stroganoff sauce soothes and satisfies. As someone who learned to appreciate the art of timing and layering flavors in restaurant kitchens, I love how this dish comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking it all day. Plus, shrimp cooks in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a dish that feels sophisticated but is genuinely easy enough to share with your family, even my picky little ones who swear pancakes are their food group of choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh shrimp and quality spices for that blackened crust. I always recommend using wild-caught shrimp if you can find them—they have a better texture and flavor that really shines through when seasoned boldly. For the sauce, full-fat sour cream or crème fraîche gives the best creamy tang, but Greek yogurt can work as a lighter substitute. When choosing paprika, go for smoked if you want that extra depth, but regular sweet paprika is perfectly fine too.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche (or Greek yogurt)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g (mostly from olive oil and sour cream)
- Carbohydrates: 15g (mostly from noodles or rice)
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g (from onions and mushrooms)
- Sodium: 550mg (varies by added salt and broth)
Bold and Creamy Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe You Need to Try
Learn how to make delicious Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh shrimp and quality spices for that blackened crust. I always recommend using wild-caught shrimp if you can find them—they have a better texture and flavor that really shines through when seasoned boldly. For the sauce, full-fat sour cream or crème fraîche gives the best creamy tang, but Greek yogurt can work as a lighter substitute. When choosing paprika, go for smoked if you want that extra depth, but regular sweet paprika is perfectly fine too.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche (or Greek yogurt)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make your blackened seasoning.
- Toss the shrimp with half of the seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until charred and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden, around 5-7 minutes. Season with the remaining blackened seasoning.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
- Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream or crème fraîche, mixing until smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce. Warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make your blackened seasoning.
- Toss the shrimp with half of the seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until charred and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden, around 5-7 minutes. Season with the remaining blackened seasoning.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
- Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream or crème fraîche, mixing until smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce. Warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for Making the Best Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
Perfecting this dish is all about balance—between spice and creaminess, heat and tenderness. From my early days in bustling restaurant kitchens, I learned that timing and ingredient quality are everything. This recipe shines when you don’t rush the shrimp or the sauce, so take a little extra care during each step.
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture; avoid overcooking as shrimp turn rubbery quickly.
- Don’t skimp on the blackened seasoning—make your own blend for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Let the mushrooms brown well—they add a lovely earthiness to the creamy sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently after adding sour cream to prevent it from splitting.
- If you want a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance, especially if serving to children.
With these tips, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish every time. Learn more: related recipe Learn more: Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe You Need to Try
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile and works beautifully for cozy family dinners or even casual entertaining. The creamy sauce and smoky shrimp pair well with simple sides that don’t overpower the flavors. I often find myself making this when I want something special that still feels approachable—perfect for those evenings when my kids want to dip everything in ketchup but I’m craving something a bit more grown-up.
- Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon for freshness.
- Serve alongside a lightly dressed green salad or steamed asparagus to add brightness.
- Try swapping egg noodles for creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for variation.
- For a seasonal twist, stir in a handful of fresh peas or chopped spinach just before serving.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner, this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff never fails to bring warmth and a little bit of excitement to the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers without losing the creamy texture or the bold flavors of this dish. From experience, I always store stroganoff in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain its richness.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sauce separation or shrimp overcooking.
- For meal prep, cook the shrimp fresh and keep the sauce and base separate if possible, combining before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff?
The main ingredients for Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff?
The total time to make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff?
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is one of those recipes that feels both familiar and exciting—a perfect match for anyone who loves food with a bit of spice and a whole lot of heart. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and I’d love to hear how you put your own spin on it. After all, cooking is a journey, and every dish tells a story worth sharing.
