Few things are more irresistible than the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot pan, the aroma of Cajun spices filling the air, and the promise of a golden, crispy bite dipped into a creamy, zesty sauce. Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-fancy but is delightfully easy to make at home.
With a crunchy coating, juicy shrimp inside, and a tangy sauce on the side, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacking, or even as a party appetizer. It’s bold, cozy, and made with simple pantry staples—so you’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner / Appetizer |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | ~380 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if desired)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the special dipping sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp
Place shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them soak while you prepare the coating. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. - Prepare the coating
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, panko, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Coat the shrimp
Remove shrimp from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. - Heat the oil
In a large skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Test with a small piece of coating—if it sizzles, it’s ready. - Fry until crispy
Fry shrimp in small batches (about 2–3 minutes per side) until golden and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. - Make the dipping sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Chill until ready to serve. - Serve & enjoy
Arrange crispy shrimp on a platter with dipping sauce on the side. Serve immediately while hot.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in batches to keep the oil hot and the coating crispy.
- Oil temperature matters: Keep oil at 350°F for even frying. Too cool, and shrimp absorb oil; too hot, and they burn.
- Make ahead tip: You can prep the dipping sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy upgrade: Add extra cayenne or chili flakes to the coating for fiery heat.
- Lighter option: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of deep frying.
- Protein swap: Try this coating with chicken tenders or even cauliflower for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fries or onion rings for a pub-style dinner.
- Add a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a summer cookout vibe.
- For a lighter meal, pair with a crisp green salad and lemon wedges.
Conclusion
This Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce is crunchy, bold, and bursting with flavor—the kind of dish that disappears fast at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for family night, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, it’s comfort food with a Cajun kick. Grab your shrimp, whip up the sauce, and enjoy every golden bite!