Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Cajun Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare, it makes an ideal appetizer or a flavorful main dish for any occasion.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the dredged shrimp rest for 10 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick better.
• Adjust the hot sauce in the creamy sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Serve with lime wedges for an additional zesty touch.
• Use smoked paprika in the sauce to enhance the smoky flavor but regular paprika works well too.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. The creamy sauce is best served chilled and should be stirred well before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This dish has a moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but you can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the creamy sauce to make it milder or hotter according to your taste.

Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 83 reviews

This Crispy Cajun Shrimp recipe features perfectly seared shrimp coated in a flavorful Cajun seasoning and lightly dredged in flour for a crispy texture. Paired with a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors—making it an ideal appetizer or main course for seafood lovers.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Season Shrimp: Toss the shrimp evenly in the Cajun seasoning until all pieces are fully coated for maximum flavor.
3. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat the seasoned shrimp in all-purpose flour and shake off any excess to avoid a heavy batter.
4. Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, preparing for searing the shrimp.
5. Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
6. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth to create the creamy dipping sauce.
7. Assemble Dish: Arrange the cooked shrimp on a serving plate and drizzle or dollop the creamy sauce over them.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the shrimp for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Adjust the hot sauce amount in the creamy sauce to control the spiciness according to taste preferences.
• Using fresh parsley provides a bright, fresh flavor, but chives offer a mild oniony contrast—choose based on your preference.
• If preferred, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Ensure the shrimp are dry before seasoning and dredging to achieve the crispiest texture.
• This dish is best served immediately to maintain shrimp crispness and sauce freshness.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp recipe, creamy shrimp sauce, quick seafood appetizer