Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
