Cajun Fried Shrimp with Cajun Sauce

If you’re looking for a flavorful and crispy shrimp recipe with a bold kick, this Cajun Fried Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice! The shrimp are coated with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and flavored with a zesty Cajun spice blend. Paired with a creamy, tangy Cajun sauce, these shrimp make for an amazing appetizer, snack, or main dish. They’re easy to make, and the crispy coating combined with the spicy, creamy sauce will have you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold Flavors: The shrimp are coated in Cajun spices, giving them a zesty and savory flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy Cajun sauce.

Crispy Texture: The combination of flour, egg, and panko creates a light, crispy exterior that perfectly complements the tender shrimp inside.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights or when you need a quick, impressive dish for guests.

Versatile: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer, main dish, or even on top of a salad or in tacos.

Ingredients:

For the Cajun Crunchy Shrimp:

12 large raw prawns (peeled but tails remaining)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon peel (zest)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 large egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 cup panko bread crumbs

For the Cajun Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

For the Cajun Sauce:

Prepare the Cajun Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp. This sauce is creamy with a hint of tang and spice, which perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.

For the Cajun Crunchy Shrimp:

Prepare the Coating Stations:
In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, lemon zest, and Cajun seasoning. Stir it well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
In another bowl, crack the egg, add the milk, and beat it together with a fork until well combined.
On a plate, spread the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Shrimp:
Set up an assembly line: first, the bowl with the seasoned flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and then the panko breadcrumbs.
Using your left hand, dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, using your right hand, dip the shrimp in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the shrimp to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp. It’s best to keep one hand dry (the hand used for handling the breadcrumbs) to avoid a sticky situation.

Fry the Shrimp:
In a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan, add the vegetable oil. You want the oil to cover about an inch of the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You can test the temperature of the oil by dropping a few breadcrumbs in it; if they sizzle immediately, the oil is ready.
Tip: Do not add the shrimp to the oil too early. If the oil is not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and won’t get crispy.

Cook the Shrimp:
Carefully place the breaded shrimp in the hot oil using tongs. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to cook unevenly. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be cooked through and have a beautiful crispy coating on all sides.

Drain the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

Plate the Shrimp: Arrange the crispy Cajun shrimp on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared Cajun sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Garnish: Optionally, garnish the shrimp with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions:

As an Appetizer: Serve these Cajun fried shrimp with your Cajun sauce for dipping at your next party or gathering.

On a Salad: Top a salad with these crispy shrimp for a flavorful, protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Tacos or Wraps: Make shrimp tacos or wraps by adding the shrimp, Cajun sauce, and some fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado in a tortilla.

With Rice: Serve the shrimp alongside a portion of seasoned rice or even Cajun-style dirty rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

Maintain Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and won’t get as crispy.

Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet retains heat well and provides even cooking for crispy shrimp.

Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Avoid using shrimp that’s been frozen too long, as they can lose their texture.

Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch. They’re lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving the shrimp that perfect crispy exterior.

Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder version of the Cajun shrimp, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning in both the shrimp and the sauce. If you like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes over the shrimp before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 250 kcal (based on 4 servings)

Fat: 14g

Carbohydrates: 18g

Protein: 20g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 550mg

Why This Recipe Works:

This Cajun Fried Shrimp recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crispy panko crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the Cajun seasoning brings a spicy, smoky depth to the shrimp. The creamy Cajun sauce balances the heat with its cool, tangy flavor. Whether you’re making these for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these shrimp are sure to impress with their bold flavors and crispy texture.

Enjoy your Cajun Fried Shrimp as a main dish or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor!

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