The Perfect Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

My latest cajun shrimp obsession combines spicy, crispy seafood with an irresistible creamy sauce that dances across your palate.

Adventurous cooks know how to unlock serious flavor potential through simple techniques.

Zesty spices coat plump shrimp, creating a golden exterior that crackles with each bite.

Louisiana-style seasonings bring bold warmth to this quick and satisfying meal.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Comfort meets excitement in this mouthwatering dish that promises to become your new favorite weeknight solution.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp swimming in velvety sauce.

Cajun Shrimp Ingredient Essentials

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the main star of the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that adds bold flavor and creates a crispy coating.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick to shrimp and promotes even cooking.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that provides rich texture.
• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce: Adds tangy and zesty notes to the sauce.

Cook Cajun Shrimp With Creamy Sauce Easily

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Shrimp

Clean and dry shrimp thoroughly using paper towels.

• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the shrimp to marinate and absorb the flavors for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Hot sauce

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your preference for a tangy, spicy kick.

Step 3: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

The shrimp should look pink and opaque when fully cooked.

If needed, cook in multiple batches to maintain optimal crispiness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling shrimp to a serving plate.

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top or serve on the side for dipping.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips To Nail Cajun Shrimp With Sauce

• Remove excess moisture with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking.
• Let seasoned shrimp sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors and enhance overall taste profile.
• Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and maintain crispiness.
• Customize the creamy sauce's heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to personal preference.
• Enjoy shrimp right after cooking to preserve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.

Best Way To Store Cajun Shrimp

• Transfer leftover shrimp and sauce to separate airtight containers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 1 month. Note that texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of oil to restore crispiness and prevent drying.
• Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Serve immediately with reserved sauce to prevent rubbery texture.

What Works Well With Cajun Shrimp

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the Cajun spices and cut through the creamy sauce. Its bright acidity balances the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.
• Create Crunchy Sidekick: Serve with garlic-roasted asparagus or herbed rice pilaf to add texture and soak up the delicious creamy sauce. These sides enhance the shrimp's bold Cajun profile.
• Match Cooling Dip Companion: Prepare a fresh cucumber-dill yogurt salad as a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy shrimp. Its cool, tangy notes provide a delightful contrast to the dish's intense seasonings.
• Select Southern Brew Mate: Choose a light, crisp craft beer like a wheat ale or blonde lager that won't overpower the shrimp's delicate flavor while complementing its Cajun kick.

Change-Up Ideas For Cajun Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for extra crispiness.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for reduced calories. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep carbohydrate content low.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of sour cream. Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise made from plant-based ingredients for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
• Spicy Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh. Cut into cubes, marinate with same Cajun seasoning, and pan-fry until crispy for a plant-based protein alternative.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices originating from Louisiana, typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme, which gives dishes a bold, zesty flavor.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and ensure they’re at room temperature before cooking to achieve a crispy exterior.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so cook just until they’re no longer translucent, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste preference.

Why Cajun Shrimp With Sauce Tastes Amazing

• Cajun seasoning delivers a bold, zesty kick that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
• This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together super fast, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to match your personal spice tolerance, making it adaptable for mild to wild palates.
• The crispy shrimp and creamy sauce combination creates an irresistible appetizer or main dish that will impress guests at gatherings and potlucks.

Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp dance with creamy goodness in this mouthwatering culinary adventure from Louisiana’s rich coastal tradition. Southern comfort meets zesty flavor, promising a delectable journey that will satisfy seafood cravings with bold, irresistible charm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot shrimp using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
3. Gently coat shrimp with olive oil, then thoroughly massage the spice mixture into each piece, allowing flavors to penetrate for 5-7 minutes.
4. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, additional Cajun seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Preheat a heavy skillet to medium-high heat, ensuring surface is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust.
6. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and sear for approximately 2 minutes per side until edges turn crisp and golden.
7. If necessary, cook shrimp in multiple batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature and prevent steaming.
8. Once shrimp are perfectly cooked and caramelized, transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with prepared creamy sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Let shrimp marinate briefly to allow Cajun seasoning to penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
• Use cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for optimal heat distribution and perfect golden-brown crust.
• For gluten-free version, replace Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and check Cajun seasoning ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 200mg