Introduction

Crispy Cajun shrimp deliver a perfect balance of bold spices and crunchy texture, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish. Paired with a creamy, tangy sauce, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests or family.

A close-up of grilled shrimp in a white bowl with a slightly charred, orange shell and golden brown cooked flesh, sprinkled with small green herb bits. Above, a spoon holds creamy, light brown sauce with specks of red and green, dripping down onto the shrimp. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil or other neutral oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
Step 3: Lightly dredge shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Sear shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice to make the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Arrange cooked shrimp in a serving dish and drizzle with sauce.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double dredge the shrimp in flour before cooking.
Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level or swap it for a milder variety if desired.
Serve with lemon wedges for an added bright citrus touch.
Try using smoked paprika in the seasoning for a deeper smoky flavor in the shrimp itself.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp briefly in a hot skillet to maintain crispiness. The creamy sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of cooked shrimp with a grilled piece of meat in the center, both having a rich orange and brown color with slight char marks. A creamy light brown sauce is being poured over the top from above by a woman's hand holding a bowl, with the sauce flowing smoothly over the meat and shrimp. The shrimp appears seasoned and has a shiny texture, while the meat looks juicy and tender with visible grill lines. The dish is on a white plate over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure crispiness.

What can I serve with crispy Cajun shrimp?

These shrimp pair well with rice, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Crispy Cajun Shrimp recipe features juicy shrimp coated in flavorful Cajun seasoning, lightly dredged in flour, and pan-seared to crispy perfection. Finished with a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, hot sauce, and smoked paprika, this dish is perfect as a quick appetizer or a satisfying main course with a touch of Southern flair.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil or other neutral oil

Creamy Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon juice

Garnish

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps to achieve a crispier texture when cooking.
Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning until they are evenly and fully coated with the spice blend.
Dredge in flour: Lightly coat the seasoned shrimp with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
Heat the oil: Warm olive oil or a neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to get a good searing temperature.
Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through (opaque and firm).
Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
Serve: Arrange the cooked shrimp on a serving dish, then drizzle or dollop with the creamy sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the shrimp for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease of eating; keep tails on for a nicer presentation if preferred.
Adjust the hot sauce in the creamy sauce according to your preferred spice level.
Olive oil or other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can be used for frying.
Serve with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
To make the shrimp less spicy, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or rinse it lightly after coating and before frying.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp, pan-fried shrimp, creamy sauce shrimp, quick appetizer