10+ Cajun Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Table

Cajun cuisine offers a rich blend of flavors and traditions from the heart of Louisiana. These recipes highlight the unique spices and ingredients that define this vibrant cooking style.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, exploring Cajun recipes can add excitement to your meals.

From hearty gumbo to spicy jambalaya, the variety is endless. You’ll discover how simple ingredients come together to create bold dishes that bring a taste of the bayou to your kitchen.

It’s a delicious way to celebrate culture and community while enjoying great food.

1) Classic Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage

Classic Cajun gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish. It features a rich roux, which gives it a deep color and taste.

The combination of andouille sausage and tender chicken makes each bite delicious. Okra and a mix of vegetables add to the gumbo’s unique texture and flavor.

Cooking gumbo takes some time, but the results are worth it. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and stir constantly to make a roux. Cook until it’s a dark brown color.
3. Add the sausage and chicken to the pot. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
5. Add the chicken broth, okra, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving over rice.

2) Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

Shrimp and okra gumbo is a classic Cajun dish that brings bold flavors to your table. This meal combines tender shrimp with the unique taste of okra.

Start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and celery to add depth to the flavor. Mix in spices like cayenne and Cajun seasoning for a kick.

Let everything simmer together for the rich and savory taste gumbo is known for. Serve it over rice for a filling dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 1.5 cups green bell pepper, chopped
• 1.5 cups celery, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, okra, and spices. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add shrimp and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot over rice.

3) Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Chicken and sausage jambalaya is a classic Cajun dish full of flavor. This meal combines tender chicken thighs and smoked sausage.

You start with a blend of onions, bell peppers, and celery to create a flavorful base. Add Cajun seasoning and rice cooked in stock for that authentic touch.

You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This comfort food is perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage
• 1 cup (150 g) onions, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) celery, chopped
• 2 cups (400 g) rice
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken stock
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and sausage; cook until browned.
3. Stir in onions, bell peppers, and celery; sauté until soft.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, rice, and chicken stock; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

4) Cajun Crawtator Casserole

Cajun Crawtator Casserole is a fun and tasty dish. It combines the crunch of potato chips with the flavor of crawfish.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. You will need Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Crawtator potato chips and Yukon Gold potatoes.

The blend of textures creates a delightful experience with every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 (5.5-ounce) bags Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Crawtator potato chips
• 10 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
• Water, for boiling
• 1 stick unsalted butter (for flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them.
3. Mix the mashed potatoes with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer the potato mixture in a baking dish and top with a layer of Crawtator chips.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

5) Peggy’s Skillet Fried Chicken

Peggy’s Skillet Fried Chicken is a delicious recipe you can try at home. It combines classic Cajun flavors with a simple frying technique.

To start, mix flour with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper for a flavorful coating. Season the chicken and fry it until golden brown and crispy.

The result is juicy meat with a crispy exterior. This dish brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups flour
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a shallow pan, mix flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and hot sauce.
3. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

6) Braised Beef Shanks with Cajun Spices

Braised beef shanks are a tasty way to enjoy Cajun flavors. Cooking them slowly makes the meat tender and full of flavor.

Season your beef shanks with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Sear them in a hot pan to create a nice crust.

Add broth and vegetables like onion and bell peppers. Let everything simmer until the meat is fork-tender, about 2 to 3 hours at 325°F (163°C).

Serve braised beef shanks with rice or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 beef shanks
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season beef shanks with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear shanks in a hot pan until browned.
4. Add broth, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
5. Cover and braise in the oven for 2 to 3 hours.
6. Serve hot with rice or bread.

7) Orzo, Shrimp, and Kale Salad

Orzo, Shrimp, and Kale Salad is a healthy meal that blends orzo pasta with fresh shrimp and kale. The flavors come together nicely.

Start with cooked orzo. Add sautéed shrimp and chopped kale.

Toss in some olive oil and lemon juice for extra taste. This salad works well as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine cooked orzo, shrimp, and kale.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss well.

8) Backbone Stew

Backbone stew is a tasty dish from Cajun cooking. It uses pork backbone cooked slowly for rich flavor.

The stew is thickened with a dark roux, making it hearty. Start by browning the meat.

Create a roux by cooking flour in hot oil until dark brown. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers for a delicious base.

Simmer everything with stock until tender. Enjoy this stew with rice or bread.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 pieces pork backbone
• 2 large onions, diced
• 2 large bell peppers, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oil
• 8 cups pork or chicken stock

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot until very hot.
2. Add flour, stirring until it becomes dark brown.
3. Mix in diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
4. Brown the pork backbone in the mixture.
5. Pour in the stock and simmer for about 2 hours.
6. Serve hot with rice or bread.

9) Cajun Cabbage Skillet

Cajun Cabbage Skillet is a flavorful dish you can make quickly on any weeknight. You’ll love how fast it comes together!

Start by cutting cabbage into strips. Slice some spicy andouille sausage to add a tasty kick.

Sauté the sausage until it browns. Then add your cabbage to the skillet.

Mix in Cajun spices for extra flavor. Serve with rice or cornbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the andouille sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
4. Add the cabbage and Cajun seasoning.
5. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10) Ree Drummond’s Cajun Brisket

Ree Drummond’s Cajun Brisket adds a special twist to a classic dish. The flavorful spice rub is easy to make at home.

Season the brisket with a mix of herbs and spices for Cajun flavor. Place the brisket in a baking pan with celery, garlic, onions, and green peppers.

Pour tomatoes and tomato paste over the top. Add coffee for a rich taste.

Cook the brisket low and slow until it becomes tender.

Ingredients

• 1 large brisket
• Celery
• Garlic
• Onions
• Green peppers
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Coffee

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C).

2. Season the brisket with the Cajun rub.

3. Put the brisket in a baking pan with vegetables.

4. Pour tomatoes and paste over the brisket.

5. Cook for about 4 hours. Check if the brisket is tender.