Cajun Fried Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

I have been making this Cajun Fried Shrimp for years and every single time I put it on the table, the plate is empty fast! This recipe is one of those dishes that makes people think you went to culinary school. We’re doing it right in our home kitchen and it could not be easier.

The secret is in that Cajun seasoning blend and the cornmeal-flour batter that gives these shrimp the most incredible crunchy crust you have ever tasted. And that homemade cocktail sauce? I promise you, once you make it from scratch you will never go back to the bottled stuff. This is the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table fast!

If you love easy seafood recipes, try my Shrimp Cakes

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RECIPE OVERVIEW

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 15 min
• Total: 30 min
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Southern / Cajun
• Course: Appetizer or Main

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

That crispy cornmeal-flour coating fries up golden and crunchy every single time — no soggy shrimp here! The Cajun spice blend is bold, flavorful, and has just the right amount of heat. The homemade cocktail sauce takes less than 5 minutes to stir together. Ready in 30 minutes. Budget-friendly and way better than any restaurant version.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cajun Fried Shrimp:

• 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 Cup Cornmeal
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp Mustard
• 2 Tbsps Hot Sauce
• 5 tsps Creole Seasoning
• 2 tsps Garlic Powder
• 2 tsps Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 2 tsps Black Pepper
• Vegetable Oil for frying

For the Homemade Cocktail Sauce:

• 1-1/4 Cups Ketchup
• 1/2 Cup Chili Sauce
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic
• 2 Tbsps Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbsps Horseradish
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 tsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Spider Strainer
• Paper towels
• Thermometer
  

WATCH THE VIDEO

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CAJUN FRIED SHRIMP

Step 1: Make the Cocktail Sauce

Stir together all your cocktail sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. Want more heat? Add a little more horseradish. Want more tang? Squeeze in some extra lemon.

Step 2: Build Your Seasoning Blend

This is where the magic begins! We are combining Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create a bold, beautiful spice blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Flour Coating

In your dry bowl, whisk together half the seasoning mixture, cornmeal and all-purpose flour. The cornmeal is what gives these shrimp that extra crunch that makes this recipe stand out from everything else.

Step 4: Create the Wet Batter

In your second bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, and hot sauce. The mustard acts as a binder and adds a subtle flavor that you will absolutely love. This wet mixture is what helps that gorgeous coating stick to every single shrimp.

Step 5: Prep the Shrimp

Make sure your shrimp are patted completely dry. Season the shrimp with the other half of the seasoning mixture and mix well.

Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients to Shrimp

Pour your wet ingredients over your seasoned shrimp and mix well.

Step 7: Coat the Shrimp

Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture then place them on a wire rack before frying.

Step 8: Heat Your Oil and Fry

Heat your vegetable oil to 350F. Too cold and your shrimp will be greasy. Too hot and the outside burns before the shrimp cooks through. Do not overcrowd the pan — fry in batches for the best results.

Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. You will know they are done when they are floating and that crust is gorgeous.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CAJUN FRIED SHRIMP

There are so many great options to serve with cajun fried shrimp. Some of my favorites include, classic coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies, potato wedges, dirty rice, or a simple green salad all work beautifully. And honestly? Pile these shrimp on a toasted roll with some remoulade for a po’boy sandwich that will blow your mind!

HOW TO STORE

Store fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cocktail sauce separately — it gets better after a day in the fridge!

HOW TO REHEAT

Reheat in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes, or in the oven at 400F on a wire rack for about 8-10 minutes.

PRO TIPS

• Always pat shrimp completely dry.
• Keep oil at 350F.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Make cocktail sauce ahead of time.
  

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