Description
Our Best Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce offers an explosion of flavors that perfectly melds smoky spices and succulent shrimp into one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is vital as it helps the breading stick better. After drying, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, which enhances their natural flavor.
- Create a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder and smoked paprika to infuse the shrimp with even more flavor. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth, creating an adhesive for the breading. Finally, in the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Cajun seasoning, giving the shrimp that crispy, spicy crust.
- Start dredging each shrimp. First, coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess before moving it to the egg wash. This will ensure the breadcrumbs adhere better. After dipping in the egg, roll the shrimp in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick. Set the coated shrimp aside while you heat the oil.
- In a skillet, pour enough vegetable oil—about a half-inch deep—and heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a small amount of breadcrumbs; if they sizzle, it’s time to fry. Carefully add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the shrimp cool slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl. This dipping sauce offers a perfect counterbalance to the spicy shrimp and is incredibly easy to make!
- Plate the shrimp while they’re still warm, either alongside the dipping sauce or drizzled over the top. This serves not only as a dish but a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Notes
Ensure your oil temperature is adequate for frying to achieve that perfect crunch; too cool will make the shrimp soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 g