Description
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 sausages, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Slice the sausage, red bell pepper, and onion. Ensure shrimp is cleaned and ready to cook.
2. Cook Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion and red bell pepper until they are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss everything together to combine flavors.
6. Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and within reach. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove and set aside on a plate. To the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, stirring frequently for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the shrimp to the center in a single layer. Sprinkle the paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the shrimp. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Finally, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to reheat the sausage and combine all the flavors thoroughly.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stir-fry is excellent served over a bed of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating can add a bright, acidic note that complements the spices.
How-to Summary
In summary: brown sausage and set aside. Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook seasoned shrimp in the same pan. Combine everything and garnish with parsley. The entire process uses one skillet and takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Chicken breast or scallops make excellent substitutes for shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I control the spice level? Omit the cayenne pepper entirely for a mild dish. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
What type of sausage works best? Andouille sausage adds authentic Cajun flavor, but any smoked sausage like kielbasa or chorizo will work well.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. However, you can prep all vegetables and slice the sausage ahead to speed up cooking.
Is frozen shrimp okay to use? Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before patting them very dry with paper towels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures proper browning. If the skillet is too full, ingredients will steam instead of sauté.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Not Prepping Ingredients First: Have everything sliced and measured before you start cooking, as the process moves fast.
- Using Wet Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before adding to the hot oil to prevent splattering and promote browning.
Conclusion
This Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. Its one-pan nature makes cleanup a breeze, while the customizable spice level ensures it can please any palate. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen any night of the week. It’s a reliable, quick, and delicious recipe that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.