Sauteed Cajun Shrimp with Veggies
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Are you looking for a flavor-packed simple recipe that looks and tastes impressive? Look no further than Sauteed Cajun Shrimp with vegetables!
This one-pan recipe combines succulent shrimp, zesty Cajun seasoning, and a medley of colorful veggies, resulting in a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Whether you want to elevate weeknight meals or dazzle dinner guests, this easy Cajun shrimp recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering culinary adventure!
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While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we recommend reading through the blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
Sauteed Cajun Shrimp
Picture this: plump, juicy shrimp coated in a captivating blend of Cajun seasonings, cooked to perfection alongside sizzling Andouille sausage and a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and more.
With every bite, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of heat, smokiness, and savory goodness!
Sauteed Cajun Shrimp is a dish that immediately transports you to Louisiana’s vibrant and vivacious streets, where the aromas of herbs and spices fill the air.
This easy dinner recipe is a sensory journey that is as delicious as it is simple to make, even for a novice home cook!
If you love the flavors of Cajun food, try our Cajun Salmon with Avocado Salsa, Cajun Snapper with Mango-Avocado Salsa, Cajun Chicken, and Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip
Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Cooking up a storm doesn’t have to mean a sink full of dishes!
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a single pan transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
The shrimp is flavored with homemade Cajun seasoning and sauteed in a pan with Andouille sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash and is on the table in just over 30 minutes.
Pair it with dirty rice, cauliflower rice, buttery cornbread, or a tossed salad for a well-rounded meal that’s guaranteed to leave everyone craving more.
With its easy preparation and irresistible flavors, sauteed Cajun shrimp is a delightful choice for a casual weekend gathering, a lively dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Let your taste buds embark on a journey celebrating the art of cooking and the joy of savoring life’s delectable moments.
What Can I Serve With Sauteed Cajun Shrimp?
Ingredients & Equipment Used In This Recipe
This recipe’s ingredients and tools are conveniently linked to online retailers like Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart.
Ingredients Needed For Sauteed Cajun Shrimp & Vegetables
- Fresh Produce – White Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Orange or Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Parsley
- Protein – Jumbo Shrimp, Cajun Andouille Sausage Links (if you cannot source this, substitute for chorizo or Polish kielbasa)
- Pantry – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Onion Powder
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Thyme
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ground White Pepper
- Fine Sea Salt
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post.
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Cajun Seasoning
To save time, you can purchase pre-made Cajun seasoning:
- McCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasoning
- Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning from Louisiana
- Schwartz Cajun Seasoning (UK)
However, it is very easy to prepare at home, and any excess seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for several months.
As a bonus, your homemade spice blend won’t include the preservatives found in prepared versions.
Preparing your own Cajun blend will allow you to control the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Equipment Needed For This Recipe
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping/Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Large Non-stick Skillet or Frying Pan
- Rubber/Silicone Spatula – or you could use a Wooden Spoon.
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post. The Purple Pumpkin Blog uses both cups and weighted measurements in its recipes, making American cups and kitchen food scales valuable tools for trying all the recipes. We provide US customary, imperial, and metric measurements. Still, it’s important to note that while you can combine cup measurements with weighted measures, never mix US customary/imperial (pounds, ounces, pints, etc.) with metric (kilograms, grams, liters, etc.).
Reasons You’ll Love Sauteed Cajun Shrimp
- It offers a burst of flavor with every bite, thanks to the spicy blend of Cajun seasoning.
- It’s a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or presentation.
- It’s a great option for meal prep, providing a flavorful, nutritious option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions
You’ve made the main dish, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Appetizer: Baked Avocado Fries with Homemade Garlic Dipping Sauce
- Soup: Tomato Soup
- Salad: Classic Caesar Salad
- Side Dish: Cilantro Lime Rice
- Cocktail: Mint Julep
- Dessert: Beignets
How Do I Make Sauteed Cajun Shrimp?
The printable recipe card with the ingredients list and instructions can be found at the end of this post.
Number of Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Step 1 – Prepare Cajun Seasoning: Prepare the Cajun seasoning by placing all of the ingredients into a small bowl. Stir to combine and transfer to an airtight container. Set it aside.
Step 2 – Season Shrimp: Place the shrimp into a large bowl and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil and one-half tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set bowl aside.
Step 3 – Cook Sausage: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the Andouille sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 4 – Cook Shrimp: Add one tablespoon of oil to the skillet, along with the seasoned shrimp. Spread the shrimp into a single layer without overcrowding.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring once, just until the shrimp is opaque and starts to curl. Do not overcook. Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the sausage.
Step 5 – Cook Aromatics: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet with the onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning to taste and stir to combine.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop some color.
Step 6 – Cook Vegetables: Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are browned and crisp-tender.
Step 7 – Finish Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the Andouille sausage, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Stir to combine and serve immediately. Enjoy!
More Shrimp Recipes
One of the hero ingredients in this recipe is shrimp, so here are some more using the same:
Recipe Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain its juicy texture.
- Feel free to adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal preference.
- Fresh shrimp is preferred, but if using frozen, thaw thoroughly under cool running water before cooking.
- Add a zing of freshness to the dish by adding chopped green onions or squeezing lemon juice or lime juice over the top when serving.
Storing Leftovers & Freezing
- Storing Leftovers:
- Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use the leftover large shrimp as a flavorful addition to rice bowls or lettuce wraps.
- Freezing Instructions:
- This recipe is not suitable for freezing.
- With all leftovers, ensure the food looks and smells okay before consuming.
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for Cooking
- You can always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Standards Agency (UK) | Food Safety (USA).
Printable Sauteed Cajun Shrimp Recipe Card
The printable recipe card is below—please leave a star rating and quick review to share your experience with others!
Sauteed Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet
Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ Tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
For the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb 450g jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
- 3 3-oz/85g Cajun Andouille sausage links, sliced
- ½ medium white onion finely diced
- 2-3 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium orange or red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper or ½ large, finely diced
- 1-2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided*
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 small yellow squash sliced and cut into half rounds
- 1 small zucchini sliced and cut into half rounds
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- *Start with one tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun seasoning by placing all of the ingredients into a bowl. Stir to combine and transfer to an airtight container. Set it aside.
- Place the shrimp into a bowl and toss it with one tablespoon of olive oil and one-half tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set bowl aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the Andouille sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the seasoned shrimp. Spread the shrimp into a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring once, just until the shrimp is opaque and starts to curl. Do not overcook. Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the sausage.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet with the onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning to taste and stir to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop some color.
- Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are browned and crisp-tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the Andouille sausage, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Stir to combine and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
More One-Pan Recipes
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FAQ About Cajun Shrimp
Here are some questions people often ask about making Cajun Shrimp
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post!
Cajun cuisine originates from the Acadian culture in Louisiana, USA. It is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, often featuring a mix of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Cajun food is rich in spices, herbs, and aromatic seasonings, resulting in a unique and savory culinary experience.
Cajun seasoning is a blend of various spices and herbs that typically includes ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and sea salt. The combination creates a robust and zesty flavor profile that characterizes Cajun cuisine.
Cajun seasoning is known for its spicy kick, but the level of spiciness can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific recipe. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning used in dishes to achieve your desired heat level.
Absolutely! Cajun seasoning offers a tantalizing blend of flavors, combining smokiness, heat, and aromatic herbs. Its bold and well-balanced taste adds depth to dishes and contributes to the distinctiveness of Cajun cuisine.
Cajun cuisine’s spiciness can be attributed to the use of cayenne pepper and other hot spices in the Cajun seasoning blend. The spiciness is a key element of the flavor profile, creating a memorable and exciting culinary experience.
Gumbo is a classic example of a traditional Cajun dish. It’s a hearty stew typically made with various ingredients such as meat (often sausage or chicken), vegetables, and a roux-based broth. Jambalaya, another staple, features a flavorful mix of rice, meat, and vegetables, often seasoned with Cajun spices.
Cajun seasoning is a robust and aromatic blend of spices and herbs that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine. It boasts a complex flavor profile with smoky, spicy, and herbal notes, adding depth and excitement to various dishes.
The “Holy Trinity” is a term used in Cajun and Creole cuisines to refer to a flavor base made from three aromatic vegetables: onions, bell peppers, and celery. This trio serves as the foundation for many Cajun dishes, providing depth and complexity to the flavors.
Shrimp and prawns are related crustaceans, but they are different. The terms are often used interchangeably in some regions but can have different physical characteristics and habitats. In culinary contexts, the distinction can vary based on local usage.
In the UK, the term “prawn” is commonly used to refer to these crustaceans, whereas in the United States, the term “shrimp” is more frequently used. The naming difference is a matter of regional language and culinary tradition.
Yes, shrimp are a nutritious seafood choice. They are low in calories and a good source of protein. Shrimp also provides essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. However, like any food, moderation is key, and factors such as preparation methods and accompanying ingredients can impact the overall healthiness of a dish.