Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stir-Fry
A quick, one-pan dinner bursting with bold Louisiana flavors.
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $20-30
- Diet: Low-carb, Keto-friendly
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 12-inch skillet (or wok/cast iron pan)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
INGREDIENTS
Main Proteins
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 14 oz (400g) Andouille sausage, sliced
- Sub: smoked chicken sausage for a lighter option
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 medium yellow squash, cut into half-moons
- 1/2 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Sub: broccoli or mushrooms work great too
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra paprika for smokiness
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
METHOD
- Heat skillet to medium-high (375°F/190°C) and add 2 tablespoons oil.
- Brown sausage slices until crispy edges form (3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Add vegetables except asparagus. Stir-fry until slightly tender (4 minutes).
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Add asparagus and cook (2 minutes).
- Add shrimp to pan. Cook until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side).
- Return sausage to pan. Toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed.
- Shrimp cooks fast – remove as soon as it turns pink.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning.
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting.
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently to prevent tough shrimp.
Scaling
- Recipe easily doubles.
- Use a larger pan or cook in batches.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking shrimp (becomes rubbery).
- Not prepping ingredients beforehand.
- Skipping the sausage browning step.
Variations
- Serve over cauliflower rice for keto.
- Add mushrooms or okra for an authentic Cajun feel.
- Increase spice with extra cayenne.
- Use different sausage varieties.
