If you’re craving a seafood dish that’s crispy, spicy, and wildly satisfying, this Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce will hit the spot every time. This recipe brings together golden-fried shrimp coated in bold Cajun seasoning and a luscious homemade sauce that balances heat with cool creaminess. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Bold Cajun Flavor: Red chili, paprika, garlic, and herbs combine for the perfect Southern-style spice. 🍤 Ultra-Crispy Shrimp: A seasoned flour coating gives the shrimp a delicious crunch. 🥣 Creamy, Tangy Dipping Sauce: Ideal balance for the spicy shrimp. ⏱ Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Quick prep, quick cook, huge flavor payoff. 🍽 Perfect as: Appetizer, snack, or main dish served with rice, fries, or tacos.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cajun Shrimp
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch (extra crispiness)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 egg + 2 tbsp water (egg wash)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream OR Greek yogurt
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic paste or minced garlic
½ tsp honey (optional, for balance)
How to Make Crispy Cajun Shrimp
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel — dry shrimp = crispier coating. Remove tails if preferred.
2. Mix the Dry Coating
In a bowl, combine:
Flour
Cornstarch
Cajun seasoning
Garlic powder
Paprika
Pepper
Salt
This creates a flavorful, crunchy shell.
3. Make the Egg Wash
Beat 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of water. This helps the coating stick perfectly.
4. Dredge the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into:
1️⃣ Egg wash → 2️⃣ Seasoned flour mixture
Shake off excess flour.
Optional: Double-dredge for extra crunch Egg → Flour → Egg → Flour
5. Fry to Crisp Perfection
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until:
Golden
Crispy
Cooked through (shrimp turns pink and curls)
Drain on paper towels.
How to Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Mayo
Sour cream / Greek yogurt
Cajun seasoning
Lemon juice
Garlic
Honey (optional)
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
The sauce should be creamy, tangy, spicy, and slightly smoky.
Serving Suggestions
🔥 As an Appetizer
Serve the crispy shrimp with dipping sauce on the side.
🌮 In Tacos
Add shrimp to soft tortillas with:
Shredded cabbage
Lime crema
Avocado slices
🍽 As a Main Dish
Serve with:
Cajun rice
Garlic butter pasta
French fries
Corn on the cob
Fresh salad
Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp
✔ Keep shrimp dry before coating. ✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan—keeps them crispy. ✔ Season the flour well—flavor is everything. ✔ Serve immediately for best crunch. ✔ Use cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Up to 2 days
Reheat: Oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes
Do not microwave (shrimp becomes rubbery)
Creamy sauce stays fresh in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional Mix)
You can make your own blend:
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
½ tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
Mix and store in a jar.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-level flavor in minutes.
