Description
Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is a flavorful and crunchy seafood dish packed with bold spices and a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, in tacos, or served over rice, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try for shrimp lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the shrimp and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to adhere better.
Step 2: Make the Cajun Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each shrimp is well coated.
- Place the coated shrimp on a plate or wire rack and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the coating set for a crispier texture.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, honey, and minced garlic.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Arrange the crispy Cajun shrimp on a plate or serving dish.
- Drizzle or serve the creamy sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, and lemon wedges.
- Enjoy as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos!
Notes
- For extra crunch: Double-dip the shrimp in buttermilk and coating.
- Oil temperature matters: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
- Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Crispy Cajun Shrimp, Cajun shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, shrimp with creamy sauce, spicy shrimp