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Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 15 reviews

Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is a bold and mouthwatering dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp with a crunchy exterior paired with a velvety, tangy sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines spicy Cajun seasoning with a smooth blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess, ideal as an appetizer or main course for tacos, rice bowls, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Pinch of paprika
  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and hot sauce if using. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as desired for balance and heat.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are golden, opaque, and have a crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.
  4. Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving bowl, drizzle with the creamy Cajun sauce or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp to ensure they become crispy rather than steamed.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, salads, or can be served as a taco filling.
  • Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a fresh herbal note and color contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, spicy shrimp, creamy sauce, easy shrimp recipe, appetizer, seafood, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner