Cajun Fried Rice
This Easy Cajun Fried Rice is a flavorful dish loaded with veggies and lots of hearty protein like andouille sausage and shrimp! But the best part is the smokey and spicy Cajun seasoning that takes it over the top. It’s a fun twist to your typical fried rice!
Crazy like I am for Cajun flavors?! Try my Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo, Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, or this Easy Cajun Salmon Pasta!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Easy Cajun Fried Rice with Sausage and Shrimp:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Cooked Rice: Using day-old leftover rice in this recipe makes the dish come together quickly and gives it the best flavor and texture. It’s slightly dried out, which prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
Cajun Seasoning: This is a spice blend made of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Different brands of Cajun spice vary so use your favorite store-bought seasoning.
HOW TO MAKE CAJUN FRIED RICE: STEP-BY-STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the printable recipe card below!
Step 1: Add beaten eggs to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Scramble eggs until just set. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning and cook for a couple of minutes.
Transfer the sausage and shrimp to a plate and cover with foil.
Step 3: Cook diced onion and green and red bell peppers. Add garlic.
Step 4: Return the meat with all its juices back to the pan, along with the rice and cooked eggs. Add soy sauce over the top of the rice.
Step 5: Stir until the soy sauce evenly coats the rice, all of the ingredients are well combined, and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Meal Prep Tip
Chop all of the ingredients (onion, peppers, garlic, sausage) and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the meal, everything comes together really quickly!
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS
- Prep all ingredients. The key to successful fried rice is prepping your ingredients ahead of time and having them all ready to go. Dice the peppers, onions, and sausage, and whisk the eggs before heating up the pan.
- Don’t drain! After transferring the sausage and shrimp to a plate, try to leave as much of the oil, seasonings, and juices in the pan as you can (#liquidgold). That adds so much flavor!
ADDITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
ADDITIONS:
- Veggies – Add more vegetables like frozen peas, diced carrots, corn, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Leafy greens – Try adding chopped kale or spinach to add some green to the dish and boost the nutrition.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Chicken – Swap chicken breast for shrimp to give it a different flavor and texture.
- Sausage – Substitute regular chicken or turkey sausage for andouille sausage to give a lighter option.
- Rice – Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier, chewier texture.
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I hope you love this Cajun Fried Rice! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Easy Cajun Fried Rice {with sausage and shrimp}
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil (more if needed)
- 1/2 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined I prefer medium shrimp (41-50 count)
- 3 links andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- salt/pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep: The key to a successful fried rice is prepping your ingredients ahead of time and having them all ready to go! Dice your peppers, onions, and garlic, whisk the eggs, and dice the sausage.
- Cook Eggs: Add beaten eggs to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Scramble eggs until just set. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Sausage & Shrimp: In the same pan, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning, and cook 3-4 more minutes until the shrimp turn pink and begin to curl into a "C" shape. Remove sausage and shrimp from the pan and transfer to plate–cover with foil. Try to leave as much oil, seasoning, and "juice" in the pan as you can!
- Cook Veggies: To the same hot pan, add onion and red/green bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly soft. Then, add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Finish: Return the meat (+ all the juice from the plate!!) back to the pan, along with the rice and cooked eggs. Pour soy sauce over the top of the rice. Stir, stir, stir until the soy sauce evenly coats the rice and all of the ingredients are well combined and everything is heated through.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste, then season with salt/pepper or more Cajun seasoning, if needed. Garnish with green onions and serve!
