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A platter of grilled shrimp seasoned with herbs and spices, served with lemon wedges.

Shrimp Seasoning

A zesty, homemade spice blend designed especially for shrimp. This mix of smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Use it to coat shrimp before grilling, sautéing, or baking, or even sprinkle it on fish and chicken for an extra kick.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Seafood Seasoning, Spice Blend
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl: For combining spices.
  • Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure each spice.
  • Whisk or Fork: For thoroughly blending the ingredients.
  • Airtight Container or Jar: For storing any leftover seasoning.
  • Serving Bowl: (If using immediately with shrimp) To toss and coat the shrimp.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular paprika if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust more or less based on your heat preference
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt feel free to reduce if you’re watching sodium
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional, for a bright, citrusy note
  • Tip: This blend makes about 2 tablespoons of seasoning—enough to coat roughly 1 pound of shrimp.

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Spices:
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Whisk together until the mixture is uniformly blended.
  • Store or Use Immediately:
  • For Later Use: Transfer the seasoning mix into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
  • For Immediate Use:
  • Pat your cleaned, deveined, and (if desired) peeled shrimp dry with paper towels.
  • Place the shrimp in a separate bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  • Sprinkle the shrimp seasoning evenly over the shrimp.
  • Toss gently until every shrimp is well-coated.
  • Cook the Shrimp:
  • Proceed with your preferred cooking method:
  • Grilling: Cook over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
  • Sautéing: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the shrimp on a lined baking sheet for 8–10 minutes.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Time Cook:
  • Seasoning Mix Only: 0 minutes
  • With Shrimp (if cooked): Approximately 5–10 minutes (depending on method)
  • Time Total:
  • Seasoning Mix: 5 minutes
  • Shrimp Dish: About 15 minutes total from prep to plate
  • Yield: Approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning (enough for about 1 lb of shrimp)
  • Category: Spice Blend / Seafood Seasoning
  • Method: No-cook seasoning mix (use as a dry rub or toss-on seasoning)
  • Cuisine: American / Cajun-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto, Whole30-friendly
  • Keywords
  • Shrimp, Seafood, Seasoning, Spice Blend, Cajun, Spicy, Grill, Sauté, Baking, Easy, Homemade, Zesty, Flavorful
  • Nutrition
  • (Approximate values per ½ teaspoon serving of the dry seasoning mix – serving size ~1.5 grams)
  • Serving Size: ½ teaspoon (~1.5 g)
  • Calories: 5 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: ~190 mg
  • (Note: Based on using 1 teaspoon salt in the entire batch divided by 12 servings)
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Keep in mind that when this seasoning is used on shrimp (or other proteins), the nutritional values will be primarily influenced by the main ingredient rather than the seasoning.

Notes

Versatility: This seasoning isn’t just for shrimp! Try it on fish fillets, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for an extra punch of flavor.
Heat Adjustment: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste—less for a milder flavor, or more for an extra spicy kick.
Storage: Always store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its potency.
Optional Enhancements: For a deeper smoky flavor, consider toasting the dried thyme and oregano lightly in a dry pan before mixing with the other spices.
Enjoy your cooking, and savor the extra flavor that this shrimp seasoning brings to your dishes!
Keyword Shrimp, Seafood, Seasoning, Spice Blend, Cajun, Spicy, Grill, Sauté, Baking, Easy, Homemade, Zesty, Flavorful