Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is a traditional Cajun recipe, bringing land and sea together with vibrant Cajun seasoning and a whole lot of ease. Served over rice or quinoa, it's the perfect culinary adventure for any night of the week.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by Cajun cuisine, today’s recipe is for you. With a reputation for being spicy, Cajun food is actually just seasoned really well, and this recipe is here to capture your heart and lead you into a world of cuisine you never knew you needed in your life.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is a traditional Cajun recipe, bringing land and sea together with vibrant Cajun seasoning and a whole lot of ease. Served over rice or quinoa, it’s the perfect culinary adventure for any night of the week
We like to use this recipe on the busy nights of the week, which, to be honest, are all the days that end in -y. If you’re in the same club, you’re in good company…especially because this club comes with a solution to all your dinner woes: make-ahead freezer meals like this one, our Cajun Shrimp and Sausage.
Long before the chaos ensues, you drop the ingredients into a freezer bag and store the Cajun magic in your freezer until you need it. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have an authentic Cajun dinner before your eyes with zero hassle. And if you double the recipe, you’ll have another Cajun adventure in queue for the next time you long to end your chaotic day with a dish full of flavorful Southern charm.
Why You’ll Love this Cajun Shrimp Sausage Freezer Meal Recipe
Culinary Diversity: Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is a great introduction to Cajun cuisine!
Versatile: This recipe is a great base, as it can be served over rice, pasta, quinoa, or even as tacos for varied meals.
Allergen-Friendly: Naturally gluten and dairy-free, this recipe does not contain the most common allergens, making it a great option for anyone with dietary needs or preferences.
Minimal Ingredients: With pantry staples, this recipe has minimal ingredients which makes it budget friendly!
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Freezer Meal Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is a traditional Cajun recipe, bringing land and sea together with vibrant Cajun seasoning and a whole lot of ease. Served over rice or quinoa, it's the perfect culinary adventure for any night of the week.
Chicken: If you’re looking for an alternative to the shrimp, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and freeze along with the sausage. Chicken pairs well with Cajun seasoning and is delicious alongside the andouille sausage.
Turkey Sausage: While Andouille sausage is the best option for optimal flavor, turkey sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter, leaner meat. It absorbs the Cajun seasoning well still, which is key.
Additions:
Corn: For an added sweet crunch, add 1 cup of corn to the dish before freezing. Corn is a great complement to the Cajun seasoning (and is often a staple ingredient in Cajun dishes), and adds color and texture to the meal. Fresh, canned (well-drained), or frozen corn all will work well in this recipe.
Diced Tomatoes: Add one 14.5 ounce can of (drained) diced tomatoes to the recipe for a mild acidity that balances the heat of the Cajun seasoning.
How to Reheat and Store Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
Best way to store Leftover Make-Ahead Cajun Seafood Meal
The best way to store your leftover Cajun Shrimp would be to allow the recipe to cool to room temperature before storing. This will prevent the condensation build up in your storage container. Once cooled, the best way to store would be in an airtight container or resealable bag.
How long will Cajun Shrimp and Sausage last in the fridge?
When you properly allow your leftovers to cool, and store in the proper containers or bags, your Cajun shrimp leftovers will last in a fridge for 3-5 days.
Can I freeze Make-Ahead Cajun Shrimp and Sausage?
Yes, of course. If you are wanting to extend the shelf life of your leftovers, freezing is a great option. Follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge, allow to cool, and use proper storage devices. Then remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, prepping first, storing in the freezer, then cooking fresh. To do this, add all ingredients, except the shrimp, to the labeled freezer bag. Place the shrimp in the freezer in its own packaging. Then, seal the bag, removing as much air as you can, then shake to evenly coat and freeze for up to three months.
How to Reheat Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Freezer Meal?
There are multiple ways to reheat your leftovers, the best may be the stovetop. If you wish to use the stovetop, place a skillet on the burner over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, and place your desired amount of leftovers on the skillet. Stir occasionally until your desired temperature has been reached. When using the microwave, you want to make sure that you avoid overcooking, as this will change the texture and profile of the dish. Place desired amount of leftovers on a safe-dish, then using short bursts of 30-45 seconds, heat until your leftovers have been evenly cooked.
Cajun-Inspired Shrimp and Sausage Freezer Meal FAQs
What type of sausage is best for Cajun food?
Andouille sausage is the most popular sausage in Cajun cuisine. It’s a coarse-grained smoked sausage made of pork, pepper, onions, and seasonings. It was brought to Louisiana, which is the heart of Cajun country, by the French, which is where it finds its origin.
What is the difference between Andouille sausage and Cajun sausage?
Andouille and Cajun sausage are the same thing, just with different names.
Is there a difference between French and Cajun andouille sausage?
French and Cajun andouille sausage are quite different from one another. Cajun andouille is deeply smoked and brings savory overtones from the pork, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices. While French andouille is also smoky, its seasonings are much milder than its Cajun cousin and its flavor is strong and gamey.
Is it best to use shrimp with or without its shell when cooking?
While using shelled shrimp is the most convenient method for cooking, when left on for cooking, the shells contribute to deeper flavor. An added bonus is that the shell can protect the shrimp from overcooking. Because my focus is convenience, I typically lean toward using shelled shrimp and ensuring my seasoning and cook times are aligned with the desired result: perfectly cooked, delicious meals.
What makes a dish Cajun style?
Cajun foods are famous for what is referred to as the “Holy Trinity” – onion, celery, and green bell peppers. These vegetables are the basis for almost every Cajun dish, and are most often accompanied by a special roux and a variation of spices. Cajun food is mistakenly categorized as spicy, when in all actuality it is just well-seasoned.
How can I make this recipe Allergen-friendly?
This recipe is naturally allergen-friendly, provided your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free.
What are the typical seasonings in Cajun cooking?
Typical Cajun seasonings contain black and white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Some Cajun seasonings include salt, mustard powder, chili peppers, or even cumin.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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