Description
Spice-packed Smoky Cajun Skillet Feast brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your kitchen with remarkable depth and intensity. Hearty ingredients dance together in one pan, creating a mouthwatering experience that connects home cooks directly to Southern culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Seasonings:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary stage by slicing andouille sausage into half-moon medallions, creating uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cleanse long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water, swirling gently until liquid runs transparent, removing excess starch.
- Ignite a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
- Carefully arrange sausage rounds into the heated skillet, allowing them to caramelize for 4-6 minutes until edges transform into crispy, golden-brown perimeters.
- Transfer browned sausage to a temporary holding plate, preserving the rendered flavor-packed drippings within the skillet.
- Introduce diced bell peppers and onions into the same skillet, allowing vegetables to soften and develop a translucent quality for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic essence throughout the vegetable mixture.
- Introduce rinsed rice directly into the vegetable landscape, gently coating each grain with residual oils and creating a toasted undertone.
- Pour chicken broth over the rice, generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning, and stir to distribute spices evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow rice to simmer for 18-22 minutes until liquid absorbs completely and rice reaches tender consistency.
- Reunite crispy sausage with the rice mixture, folding gently to integrate flavors and reheat protein.
- Finish the dish with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions, serving immediately while temperature remains optimal.
Notes
- Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains the robust Cajun flavor profile.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that prevent clumping during cooking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for different palates.
- Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar while sautéing vegetables to enhance depth and complexity of the dish’s overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg