
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff: A Creamy, Spicy Seafood Delight
Craving something comforting, yet bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff! This recipe takes the classic creamy stroganoff and infuses it with the smoky, spicy goodness of blackened shrimp, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and succulent shrimp create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to ditch the boring weeknight meals and dive into this irresistible seafood stroganoff!
## Why You’ll Love This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
* **Flavor Explosion:** The blackened seasoning brings a smoky, spicy kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and sweet shrimp.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This dish looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the spice level and add your favorite vegetables.
* **Comfort Food with a Twist:** It’s the classic comfort of stroganoff, elevated with the delicious addition of seafood.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
### For the Blackened Shrimp:
* **1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined:** Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed completely). Make sure to pat them dry for optimal blackening.
* **2 tablespoons blackened seasoning:** You can buy a pre-made blend or make your own (recipe below).
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For cooking the shrimp.
### For the Stroganoff Sauce:
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base to the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
* **8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced:** Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
* **1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine (optional):** Deglazes the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
* **2 cups chicken broth:** Forms the base of the sauce.
* **1 cup sour cream:** Provides the signature creamy tang.
* **2 tablespoons Dijon mustard:** Adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce:** Enhances the savory notes.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** Adds freshness and color.
* **Salt and black pepper to taste:** To season the sauce to your preference.
### For the Pasta:
* **1 pound egg noodles:** The traditional choice for stroganoff, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
* **Salt:** For salting the pasta water.
### Homemade Blackened Seasoning (Optional):
If you prefer to make your own blackened seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:
* **1 tablespoon paprika**
* **1 tablespoon garlic powder**
* **1 tablespoon onion powder**
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
* **1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)**
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
* **1/2 teaspoon salt**
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff.
### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
### Step 2: Prepare the Blackened Shrimp
1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the blackened seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until blackened and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
### Step 3: Make the Stroganoff Sauce
1. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. (Optional) Deglaze the pan with sherry or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
### Step 4: Combine and Serve
1. Add the cooked pasta and blackened shrimp to the skillet with the stroganoff sauce.
2. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are coated in the sauce.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
4. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
## Tips for the Best Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, parsley, and mushrooms will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or use a milder store-bought blend.
* **Don’t Boil the Sauce After Adding Sour Cream:** Boiling can cause the sour cream to curdle and separate.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a silky smooth texture.
* **Customize with Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus to the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the stroganoff sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp just before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
This Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stroganoff.
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic accompaniment to any pasta dish.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Add some extra vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy and colorful side.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
## Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Chicken Stroganoff:** Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken breast or thighs.
* **Beef Stroganoff:** Use thinly sliced steak or ground beef instead of shrimp.
* **Vegetarian Stroganoff:** Omit the shrimp and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
* **Cream Cheese Stroganoff:** Substitute some of the sour cream with cream cheese for an even richer and creamier sauce.
* **Spicy Stroganoff:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
* **Lemon Stroganoff:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** Freezing stroganoff is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become watery upon thawing. However, you can freeze the stroganoff sauce separately before adding the pasta and shrimp. Thaw completely before reheating and adding the cooked pasta and shrimp.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-700 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
*Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.* You can use online tools like myfitnesspal or other nutrition calculating resources to get the exact nutritional information based on your ingredients.
## Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe
Here’s a printable version of the recipe for your convenience.
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shrimp)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine (optional)
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 pound egg noodles
* Salt (for pasta water)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the shrimp with blackened seasoning.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until blackened and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until softened and browned.
6. (Optional) Deglaze the pan with sherry or white wine.
7. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Add pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine.
10. Stir in parsley. Serve immediately.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!