The Story Behind the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff- Some recipes are born out of pure craving — that moment when your heart wants something creamy and comforting, but your taste buds crave bold flavor and spice. That’s how this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff came to life in my kitchen.
I still remember the first time I made it. It was one of those Friday nights where I wanted something a little indulgent — a “restaurant-style dinner” without leaving the house. I had a bag of shrimp in the freezer, some heavy cream in the fridge, and a few spices that always make magic happen. As I stared at my ingredients, I thought, what if stroganoff and Cajun shrimp had a delicious little love child?
So I did what I always do — trusted my instincts, turned up some soft jazz, and started cooking. I blackened the shrimp first — that smoky, spicy aroma filled the air, and my kitchen felt like a cozy little restaurant. Then I built the creamy stroganoff base with garlic, butter, onions, and just enough paprika to make it pop.
When I finally tossed everything together and took that first bite… I knew. This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff was a keeper. It was rich but balanced, spicy but creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. My husband said it tasted like something you’d get in New Orleans, and my kids? They just asked for seconds.
Now it’s one of my favorite “date night at home” dishes — a recipe that feels indulgent yet comforting, impressive yet simple. Every spoonful reminds me that cooking isn’t just about following recipes — it’s about creating moments, memories, and flavors that make you smile.
What Makes This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe Special
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff takes the traditional creamy stroganoff we all love and gives it a modern, spicy twist. It’s elegant, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Perfect balance of spice and cream: The blackened seasoning brings the heat, while the cream sauce cools it down.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Bold, rich, and deeply flavorful.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
- Comfort meets excitement: The warmth of stroganoff with the fire of Cajun shrimp.
It’s the kind of meal that makes your family say, “Wow, what is this!?” — and that’s the best kind of compliment.
Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy and irresistible Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff:
🍤 For the Blackened Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce for milder flavor)
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍄 For the Stroganoff Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup white wine (optional, or use broth)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍝 For Serving
- 8 ounces fettuccine or egg noodles (or rice for a gluten-free option)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
These ingredients come together beautifully — spicy shrimp, silky sauce, and that comforting stroganoff texture we all adore.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps them sear perfectly. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this spice mix until well coated.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside — don’t clean the pan! Those flavorful bits on the bottom are going to make your Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff unforgettable.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add butter and the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for about a minute to remove the raw flavor. Slowly pour in the wine (or broth) while stirring, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful bits.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning — this creamy base is the heart of your Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve over warm fettuccine noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Each bite is creamy, spicy, and absolutely heavenly — a perfect balance of comfort and boldness.
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is a meal all by itself, but if you want to make it extra special, here’s what pairs beautifully with it:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Adds color and freshness.
- Side Salad with Lemon Dressing: Lightens up the richness.
- Cajun Roasted Potatoes: For a spicy southern touch.
- Glass of Chardonnay or Riesling: Balances the spice perfectly.
It’s comfort food with a flair — simple enough for weeknights, elegant enough for dinner guests.
Customization & Variations
The best part about Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is how easily you can make it your own.
- Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Milder Version: Cut the spices in half for a gentler flavor.
- Seafood Medley: Add scallops, crab, or chunks of white fish.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas instead of shrimp.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice.
- Smoky Twist: Add a pinch of chipotle powder for extra depth.
No matter how you tweak it, this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff remains rich, creamy, and full of heartwarming flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to thin the sauce if needed.
Freeze:
You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to preserve that creamy texture.
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully!
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 530
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
A balanced indulgence — rich in protein, moderate in carbs, and full of satisfying flavor.
Reader Q&A – Common Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
2. Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes! It adds tanginess and traditional stroganoff flavor.
3. Can I make it less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
4. What pasta works best?
Egg noodles, fettuccine, or linguine — all perfect choices.
5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
6. Can I add veggies?
Absolutely — bell peppers or spinach fit beautifully.
7. Can I use Cajun seasoning instead of mixing spices?
Yes! Use about 1 tablespoon of your favorite Cajun blend.
8. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — make the sauce ahead and cook shrimp fresh when serving.
9. Can I skip the mushrooms?
Sure — it’ll still be delicious without them.
10. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Definitely! Blackened chicken stroganoff is equally fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is everything I love about comfort food — rich, creamy, satisfying — but with a fiery, flavorful twist. It’s the kind of dish that surprises people — they expect something simple, and then one bite in, they’re amazed by the depth, the spice, and the silky texture.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking — the joy of turning a handful of ingredients into something that makes people smile. It’s cozy enough for family dinner and fancy enough for date night — a true kitchen treasure.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or just a little indulgent, this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff will hit the spot every single time. 💛
🍽️ Tried This Recipe?
Did you try this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff? I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Did you go all-in on the spice or keep it mellow and creamy? Share your version in the comments — your twist might inspire someone else’s dinner tonight!
And don’t forget — follow Mama Cooks Dinner on Pinterest for more cozy, flavor-packed recipes that bring comfort, warmth, and a little culinary adventure to your table. 🥰
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.