Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Skillet! This vibrant dish brings the bold flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Imagine succulent shrimp dancing with spicy andouille sausage, perfectly sautéed bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, all mingling together in a sizzling skillet. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress and tantalize your taste buds. Dive in to discover how to create this deliciously easy one-pan wonder that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thoroughly washing and patting shrimp dry with paper towels. Slice andouille sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Finely chop bell pepper, onion, and mince garlic cloves.
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Allow oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add sliced andouille sausage to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage develops a golden-brown color and releases its oils.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become slightly softened and start to caramelize.
- Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper to preference.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, optionally garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions. Recommended to serve over rice or with crusty bread.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and season the shrimp beforehand. This way, you can simply toss everything in the skillet when you're ready to cook.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less seasoning and add more to taste.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is small, consider cooking the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, which affects the dish's overall flavor.
- Rest for Flavor: Allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully for a more delicious result.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Skillet over fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 232kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
