Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Fried Rice is a flavorful twist on classic fried rice, packed with bold Cajun spices and a medley of fresh ingredients. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings a southern kick to your table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cold day old cooked rice
• 1 lb shrimp, deveined & tail off
• 10 oz andouille or kielbasa, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
• 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage pieces, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sausage pieces and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped bell peppers and onions until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir to combine with the eggs and vegetables.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir well to distribute the spices.
9. Step 9: Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine.
10. Step 10: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until heated through and well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder.
• Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or omit meat for a vegetarian version—add extra veggies like mushrooms or green beans.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice before serving for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once to keep the shrimp tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the ideal fried rice texture. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before cooking.

What can I substitute for andouille or kielbasa sausage?

You can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or any spicy sausage you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try smoked tofu or omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Fried Rice Recipe

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This Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Fried Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant Cajun spices tossed with day-old rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with a bold Southern kick.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups cold day old cooked rice
• 1 lb shrimp, deveined & tail off
• 10 oz andouille or kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Eggs

• 4 eggs, beaten

Oils & Sauces

• 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 tbsp soy sauce

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano

Instructions

1. Season shrimp and sausage: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and sausage pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate briefly.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the sausage: In the same skillet, add the sausage pieces and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned and heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Scramble the eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked. Once scrambled, mix eggs together with the vegetables.
6. Add rice and seasonings: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and fresh parsley over the rice. Stir to combine thoroughly.
7. Add soy sauce and protein: Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir well. Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the spicy Cajun shrimp and sausage fried rice hot. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty meal!

Notes

• Using day-old rice is key to prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
• You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
• If you prefer, substitute olive oil with vegetable or peanut oil for a more traditional fried rice taste.
• Andouille sausage is preferred for authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa works well too.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp fried rice, sausage fried rice, spicy fried rice, Cajun recipe, quick dinner, shrimp recipe