Name: Crispy Cajun Shrimp With Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Cayenne pepper, optional and to taste; Oregano, to taste; Thyme, to taste; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Crispy Cajun Shrimp recipe brings bold, smoky flavors together with a creamy, tangy sauce that’s perfect for dipping. It’s quick to prepare and makes a delicious appetizer or main course for any seafood lover.

The image shows a white bowl filled with many cooked shrimp that are orange and slightly charred, giving a crispy texture. The shrimp are arranged around a small white cup in the middle, which is filled with a creamy light brown sauce speckled with herbs. The shrimp look juicy and well seasoned, and some green herbs are scattered on the shrimp for decoration. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional), oregano, and thyme, to taste
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garlic and parsley (for the sauce, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, and thyme. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 3: While the shrimp cooks, prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Serve the grilled shrimp hot alongside the creamy sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or increase the cayenne in the shrimp seasoning.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce for a lighter option.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for similar results.

Storage

Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the creamy sauce separate and refrigerated as well. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or enjoy cold. The sauce is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A round white bowl filled with a pile of grilled shrimp that are golden brown with some darker char marks, arranged around a small white bowl of creamy beige dipping sauce in the center. The shrimp have a slightly shiny texture, showing they are juicy and well cooked, and there are small green herb bits sprinkled over them. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted to your preference. Leave out or reduce cayenne pepper for a milder dish, or add more if you like extra heat.