Get ready to transform your ordinary fried rice into a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans! This Spicy Fried Rice with Shrimp and Cajun Sausage is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of bold flavors, combining the smoky heat of Cajun spices with the rich, satisfying textures of perfectly cooked shrimp, sausage, and rice.
Ingredients
- US Measurements: 1 1/3 cups cold cooked rice (10.5 oz) | 7 oz peeled shrimp | 7 oz smoked sausage (andouille or chorizo), sliced | 1 onion, sliced | 1/2 red bell pepper, diced | 1/2 green bell pepper, diced | 2-3 garlic cloves, minced | 2 eggs (optional) | 2 tbsp oil | 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix | 1 tbsp soy sauce | 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce | Salt and pepper to taste
- Metric Measurements: 300g cold cooked rice | 200g peeled shrimp | 200g smoked sausage (andouille or chorizo), sliced | 1 onion, sliced | 1/2 red bell pepper, diced | 1/2 green bell pepper, diced | 2-3 garlic cloves, minced | 2 eggs (optional) | 2 tbsp oil | 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix | 1 tbsp soy sauce | 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce | Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Cajun Spice Mix
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: If making homemade Cajun spice, combine all spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Prep Ingredients: Slice sausage into rounds, dice bell peppers, mince garlic, and have all ingredients ready near the cooking area.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Sausage: Add sausage rounds and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Optional Egg Layer: If using eggs, push vegetables to one side of the pan and crack eggs into the empty space. Scramble quickly and mix with vegetables.
- Add Rice: Incorporate cold rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Season: Sprinkle Cajun spice mix, add soy sauce, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Final Touch: Return sausage to the pan, mix well, and heat everything through.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 3-4 people
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
Why This Spicy Fried Rice is a Healthy Choice
This dynamic dish isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritionally balanced! Packed with lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from rice, and a variety of vegetables, it offers a complete meal. The Cajun spices not only provide incredible flavor but also bring metabolic-boosting properties. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while bell peppers contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Pro Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture, as slightly dried rice prevents clumping and creates that perfect fried rice consistency!