Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce
If you’re craving bold, smoky flavor with a refreshing creamy contrast, this Crispy Cajun Shrimp is about to become your go-to. Juicy shrimp are coated in a fiery Cajun spice blend and grilled to perfection—paired with a cooling, herb-packed mayo sauce that takes it to the next level.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, building tacos, or making a light dinner, this dish brings serious flavor and flexibility.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
- 🧄 Big flavor with simple pantry spices
- ⏱ Ready in just 20 minutes
- 🧊 That creamy sauce cools the heat just right
- 🥗 Pairs easily with rice, salad, or grilled veggies
- 🔁 Great for doubling or turning into party bites (like Beer Cheese Dip)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne if you’re going for extra heat.
Let it marinate for 5–10 minutes while you prep the grill or skillet.
2. Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly crisped. Don’t overcook—shrimp goes quick!
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon if you want brightness, or a little hot sauce for heat.
4. Serve
Arrange shrimp on a platter and serve with a generous scoop of the creamy sauce.
Garnish with more parsley and a wedge of lemon if you’re feeling fancy.
💡 Tips & Tweaks
- Crank the heat: Add red pepper flakes or extra cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.
- Make it a meal: Serve over rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli.
- Switch the sauce: Sub in Greek yogurt for the sour cream to lighten it up.
- Pan-fry instead: No grill? A nonstick skillet works great!
- Add crunch: Serve in tacos with slaw for a fun twist.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Pair this Cajun shrimp with:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a cool citrusy drink
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas as a fun side
- Baked Kosher Salami for a full snack spread
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo if you’re doubling down on the Cajun vibes
🧊 Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Lightly warm shrimp in a skillet; avoid the microwave so it stays crisp.
Sauce Tip: Use leftover sauce as a dip for veggies, chips, or on sandwiches!
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Baked Kosher Salami
- Blueberry Lemonade
📝 Final Thoughts
Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is the spicy-satisfying recipe you’ll want to pull out for easy weeknights, cookouts, or last-minute gatherings. It’s all about flavor without the fuss—and it’s endlessly customizable.
