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To make a delicious Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet, you need the following: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and spicy dish. You can switch some ingredients based on what you have: - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken for a different protein. - Sausage: Turkey sausage can work as a healthier option. - Bell Pepper: Any color works; use what you prefer. - Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great substitute for vegetarian options. - Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes can replace canned ones if you want. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. Seasoning is key in this dish. Here are the highlights: - Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix gives the dish its signature flavor. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. - Smoked Paprika: This adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the dish. - Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. More gives heat; less makes it milder. With these seasonings, you will achieve a flavor punch that makes every bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. This will help the flavors bloom. Next, add 1 pound of sliced sausage. You can use andouille or kielbasa. Cook the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice brown color. Once done, take it out and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in 1 chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. You can use red or green. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. They should become soft. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute to release its nice aroma. Now, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything well to coat the veggies. Return the sausage to the skillet. Next, add 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth. Mix all the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a simmer. After that, add in 1 pound of shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink when done. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. To make your dish shine, use fresh spices. Fresh spices boost flavor more than old ones. I suggest grinding whole spices yourself. This adds a stronger taste. Also, try adding a splash of lemon juice. The acid brightens the dish and balances the heat. For a touch of sweetness, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. This can round out the spices nicely. To prepare this dish, you need a few key tools. A large skillet is a must for even cooking. Use a good knife for chopping veggies. A cutting board will keep things tidy. A wooden spoon helps to stir ingredients without scratching your skillet. Finally, have measuring spoons handy for accuracy with spices. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink. If you overcook them, they become rubbery. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preference. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes. They add color and freshness to your dish. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp if possible, as they have a better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance; start small and add more as needed. Perfect Sausage Searing: Make sure the sausage is nicely browned before removing it from the skillet, as this adds a deeper flavor to the dish. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor profile, so don't skip the garnish! {{image_2}} To make this dish low-carb, swap the sausage for a leaner protein. You can use chicken breast or shrimp. Cut out the tomatoes for a lower carb count. Instead, add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. These options keep the dish tasty while cutting down on carbs. You can easily add chicken or tofu to this skillet. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the skillet first. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the tofu until golden. Both options work well with the Cajun spices. If you want a vegetarian or vegan dish, skip the shrimp and sausage. Replace them with hearty options like chickpeas or black beans. You can also use tempeh for added protein. The spices and veggies will still give your meal a bold flavor. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. After cooking, let the Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet cool down. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Make sure to label your container with the date. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture. Stir the mixture gently until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. You can freeze the Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later! Yes, you can make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir gently until hot. This dish tastes great even after a day or two. You can serve this dish with several sides. Here are some great options: - White rice or brown rice - Crusty bread or garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Cornbread for a Southern touch These sides soak up the tasty sauce and make the meal more filling. To change the spice level, you can do a few things: - Add more or less cayenne pepper. Start with a little and taste. - Use mild sausage instead of spicy varieties. - Serve with a side of sour cream or yogurt to cool it down. By adjusting these, you can make the dish as spicy as you like. We explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and avoiding common mistakes. We also discussed variations to fit different diets and the best practices for storage. In closing, this dish is versatile and simple. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with family and friends!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Skillet

A flavorful and spicy dish featuring shrimp and sausage cooked in a savory skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 each bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 each green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
  • Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword Cajun, sausage, shrimp, skillet, spicy