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This homemade Shrimp Seasoning is smoky, savory, and perfectly balanced to bring out the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it. Made with pantry staples, it’s ready in just 5 minutes and works beautifully for grilled, baked, sautéed, or air-fried shrimp. Keep a jar on hand for quick weeknight dinners, seafood boils, tacos, salads, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Seasoning
- Ready in just 5 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry spices.
- Smoky, savory, and perfectly balanced.
- Great for grilling, baking, sautéing, or air frying.
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
- Stores well for up to 6 months.
- Also delicious on fish, scallops, chicken, and roasted vegetables.
How to Use Shrimp Seasoning
For 1 pound of shrimp, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter and 1½ tablespoons of the seasoning. Let the shrimp rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Cook using your favorite method:
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 6–8 minutes
- Skillet: 2–3 minutes per side
- Grill: 2–3 minutes per side
- Oven: 425°F for 8–10 minutes
Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Helpful tips
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning so the spices stick better.
- Use raw shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t marinate for longer than 15–20 minutes, especially if adding citrus, as it can affect the texture.
- Adjust the cayenne to make the seasoning as mild or spicy as you like.
Variations
- Lemon Herb: Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley and finish with fresh lemon juice.
- Cajun: Increase the cayenne to 1 teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon paprika.
- Garlic Butter: Toss the cooked shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Mediterranean: Add ½ teaspoon dried basil for extra herbal flavor.
Storage
Store the seasoning in an airtight spice jar in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months. Shake the jar before each use to redistribute the spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
It has just a mild kick. Omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a completely mild seasoning.
Absolutely! It’s delicious on salmon, cod, tilapia, scallops, lobster, and crab.
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Shrimp Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- Pinch of ground mustard, about ⅛ teaspoon
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight spice jar or container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
- To Use: Pat 1 pound of shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter and 1½ tablespoons of the seasoning until evenly coated. Let the shrimp rest for 10–15 minutes, then cook as desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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