What To Serve With Cajun Shrimp: Red Beans And Rice (+More Great Ideas!)
If you want to know what to serve with Cajun shrimp, check out this list of delicious side dishes that will help you complete your meal! These recipes all complement the zesty Cajunflavors from the shrimp and are sure to make your meal perfect! Whether you’re looking for a vegetable dish to serve on the side or a hearty meal to add your shrimp to, I’ve got the recipes you need!
2tablespoongreen onion(optional, sliced scallions for garnish)
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Instructions
Cook the white rice as directed on the package and set aside.
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced sausage and lightly brown both sides, it usually takes 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Toss the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, into the hot pot and saute until tender, stirring occasionally (about another 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and Cajun season. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Once fragrant, add the canned red beans (*see note), white rice (if not reserving for serving), chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then mix in the browned sausage.
Bring to a boil, cover the pot, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Then uncover the pot and continue to simmer until the liquid has reduced, usually another 15 minutes or so.
Taste and adjust salt & pepper to your liking, then remove from heat and serve immediatey. Garnish with green onion if desired.
Notes
The instructions include cooking the red beans and rice as one dish, but I prefer to serve the rice with my red beans when done.
To help thicken the red beans and rice to your desired consistency, you can mash some of the red beans before adding them to the pot.
You can even use smoked turkey necks or smoked ham hocks instead of andouille sausage if desired.
To prevent leftovers from going mushy, it is best to refrigerate the rice and red beans separately. Refrigerate each in their own airtight container for up to a week, or freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months.