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Best Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce

Golden, crispy Cajun shrimp coated in smoky spices and served with a creamy chili-lime dipping sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cuppanko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoonsCajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • 2large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cupall-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cupmayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoonssriracha or hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoonlime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoonhoney
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, combine flour with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
  3. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with Cajun seasoning.
  5. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.
  6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and red pepper flakes to make the dipping sauce.
  8. Serve the shrimp hot with the dipping sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning or sriracha to control the spice level.
For extra crispiness, double bread the shrimp by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Try baking at 425°F for 10–12 minutes or air frying at 400°F for 8 minutes for a lighter version.

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