Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe takes the creamy, comforting classic you love and gives it a bold, spicy kick. We’re swapping traditional beef for succulent shrimp, seasoned with a homemade blackening spice blend that adds incredible depth and a touch of heat. It’s a unique fusion of Russian comfort food and Creole-inspired flavors that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner showstopper.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant enough for company and easy enough for a busy evening, you’ve found it. The rich, tangy sour cream sauce perfectly balances the zesty spices, creating a truly unforgettable meal. Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite pasta dish!
What Makes This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Special?
This isn’t your grandmother’s stroganoff, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Traditional stroganoff features strips of beef sautéed and served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). Our version reimagines the classic by incorporating the “blackening” cooking technique, popularized by Cajun cuisine. This involves dredging the shrimp in a custom spice blend and searing it at high heat, creating a delicious, dark crust packed with flavor.
The result is a delightful contrast: the spicy, seared shrimp cuts through the creamy, mushroom- and onion-infused sauce. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly easy recipe that will impress anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: This entire meal comes together in less than 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Incredible Flavor: The homemade blackening seasoning provides a smoky, spicy, and savory flavor that is perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy stroganoff sauce.
- Pantry Staples: Besides the shrimp, you likely have most of the ingredients for the sauce and seasoning right in your pantry.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in your seasoning blend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to gather for this spicy shrimp pasta. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails off for easy eating.
- Blackening Seasoning: A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Making your own is easy and so much more flavorful!
- Pasta: Egg noodles are classic for stroganoff, but pappardelle or fettuccine work beautifully too.
- Butter & Olive Oil: A combination for the best flavor and a higher smoke point.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any great sauce.
- Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a wonderful earthy depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: To help thicken the sauce.
- Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the stroganoff sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a boost of umami flavor.
- Sour Cream: The key to that classic, creamy, and tangy stroganoff finish. Use full-fat for the best results.
- Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and color at the end.
Mastering the Homemade Blackening Seasoning
The secret to this dish is the seasoning. While you can buy pre-made blackening seasoning, making it at home allows you to control the flavor and salt levels. It’s incredibly simple!
In a small bowl, just mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend isn’t just for shrimp; it’s fantastic on chicken, fish, and even vegetables. For another amazing Creole-inspired dish, check out these Creole Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with your homemade blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
- Blacken the Shrimp: Heat one tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms, cooking until softened and the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for one minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer and Finish: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a minute before stirring in the sour cream. This prevents the sour cream from curdling.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. For another comforting casserole idea, you might love this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Two to four minutes is all you need. They will continue to cook a bit when you add them back to the warm sauce.
- Use Room Temperature Sour Cream: Allowing your sour cream to sit out for about 20-30 minutes before adding it to the sauce will help prevent it from curdling.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: When you add the beef broth, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful blackened bits. They are flavor gold!
What to Serve with Your Stroganoff
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or a side of roasted asparagus would be excellent choices. For a truly comforting meal, serve it with a slice of crusty bread to sop up every last bit of the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for another quick weeknight meal, these Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels are always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream or a cashew-based cream for the sauce. The results may vary slightly in texture and taste but can still be delicious.
There are two key tricks: 1) Use full-fat sour cream, as lower-fat versions are more likely to split. 2) Remove the skillet from the heat for a minute to let it cool slightly before stirring in the sour cream. Using room-temperature sour cream also helps.
The key is to not overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan. They will be added back to the warm sauce at the end.
Blackening seasoning is a robust blend of spices, typically including paprika (often smoked), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for heat. Our recipe shows you how to make the perfect blend at home.
Traditionally, stroganoff is served with egg noodles because their wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, pappardelle, fettuccine, or even penne would also be delicious with this dish.
Share Your Masterpiece!
We are so excited for you to try this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff recipe! It’s a dish that proves that stepping just slightly out of your comfort zone can result in something truly spectacular. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff: A Spicy Twist on a Classic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the Homemade Blackening Seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss with the blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool for one minute. Stir in the room temperature sour cream until smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Taking the skillet off the heat and using room temperature sour cream are the two most important steps to prevent the sauce from curdling.
