Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring large shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated with a seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, then fried to golden crispiness. Paired with a rich and tangy creamy sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creamy indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes to tenderize them and help the coating adhere better.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove shrimp from buttermilk and let excess drip off, then dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coating.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Arrange crispy Cajun shrimp on a serving platter, drizzle with creamy sauce or serve it on the side for dipping, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright pop of color.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to increase or decrease the spice level according to your preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the heat.
- For a healthier option, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through instead of frying.
- Serve the shrimp over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
- Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating and coating.
- Substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a quick alternative.
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, creamy sauce, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner, seafood recipe, Southern cooking
