Here’s a crispy and flavorful Cajun Fried Shrimp recipe that brings that Southern heat and crunch:
🔥 Cajun Fried Shrimp Recipe
🧂 Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice as substitute)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see homemade version below)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Cajun seasoning mix (makes ~2 tbsp):
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
🧑🍳 Instructions:
Prep the shrimp:
Rinse and pat dry the shrimp.
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add shrimp and let it soak for 15–30 minutes (helps with coating and flavor).
Mix the dry coating:
In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Coat the shrimp:
Remove shrimp from buttermilk (shake off excess).
Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. For extra crunch, double-dip: back into buttermilk, then re-dredge in flour.
Heat the oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches.
Fry the shrimp:
Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve:
Serve hot with lemon wedges, dipping sauce (like remoulade or spicy mayo), and sides like fries, coleslaw, or dirty rice.