Elevate your grilling game with these Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers! Packed with the bold flavors of the South, these skewers combine tender shrimp, spicy sausage, and hearty vegetables, all seasoned with a kick of Cajun spice. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these skewers are sure to be a hit at any BBQ or summer gathering.
Flavorful Ingredients for Skewer Success
- Red Potatoes: Keep the skins on for added texture and flavor, but be sure to clean them thoroughly.
- Sweet Corn: Choose corn with bright, plump kernels and green, snug husks. Remove the husks and slice the corn into thick rounds for skewering.
- Shrimp: Opt for medium to large shrimp, deveined and peeled for ease of eating.
- Sausage: Andouille sausage adds authentic Cajun heat, but feel free to swap it out for your favorite smoked sausage if preferred.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought, Cajun seasoning brings the heat and depth of flavor that ties the skewers together.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Crafting Your Cajun Skewers
Preparing the Ingredients:
Boil quartered potatoes and corn rounds just until they start to soften, then plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process. This ensures they’re grill-ready and will cook evenly with the other skewer ingredients.
Skewer Assembly:
Layer the skewers with sausage, shrimp, corn, and potatoes, leaving a bit of space at each end for handling. The order doesn’t just make for a beautiful presentation but also allows each ingredient to cook perfectly.
Seasoning:
Generously coat the assembled skewers with Cajun seasoning to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Grilling to Perfection:
Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, then grill the skewers over medium heat, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and everything is deliciously charred.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these spicy skewers with simple sides like dinner rolls or a fresh salad to balance the heat and heartiness of the skewers.
Essential Tools
- Skewers: Choose from metal or pre-soaked wooden varieties.
- Grill: Gas or charcoal, either will bring out the smoky flavors of the skewers.
Ingredients List
Skewer Components:
- 6 medium red potatoes, quartered
- A large bowl of ice water
- 5 ears of corn, cleaned and cut into thick rounds
- 1 lb (453g) of medium to large shrimp, peeled
- 1 lb (453g) of andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into thick pieces
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) of Cajun seasoning
Required Tools:
- 12 skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
Preparation Steps
- Potato and Corn Prep: Boil the potatoes and corn briefly, then cool them in ice water.
- Skewer Assembly: Start with sausage, then add shrimp, corn, and potatoes to the skewers. Arrange them on a large tray for seasoning.
- Season: Liberally apply Cajun seasoning to all sides of the skewers.
- Grill Ready: Oil your grill grates well. Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning once, until beautifully charred and cooked through.
- Serving: Carefully remove the ingredients from the skewers and serve immediately for the best flavor.
These Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers bring a taste of Louisiana right to your backyard. With just the right amount of spice and a whole lot of flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next outdoor feast.