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Crispy Cajun Shrimp With Creamy Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 105 reviews

Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Cajun shrimp grilled to perfection, paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce that balances the spices beautifully. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light dinner or appetizer, delivering bold Cajun flavors with a smooth, luscious sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 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

Creamy Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, and thyme. Toss well to evenly coat all the shrimp with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Grill the shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the seasoned shrimp on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, developing a nice char and crispness.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  4. Serve: Plate the grilled Cajun shrimp hot alongside the creamy sauce. Use the sauce as a dip to complement the spicy, crispy shrimp for a perfect bite every time.

Notes

  • If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs with dried oregano and thyme, using about 1 teaspoon each.
  • For a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
  • Grilling can be done on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan depending on availability.
  • Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, grilled shrimp, creamy sauce, appetizer, quick seafood recipe, spicy shrimp, summer grilling