Smoky Shrimp-and-Sausage Skewers for Your BBQ

Imagine transforming your backyard into a bustling Louisiana bayou with the tantalizing aroma of smoky andouille sausage and succulent shrimp wafting through the air. Grilled Shrimp-and-Sausage Skewers are a simple yet flavorful way to bring a slice of the South to your summer cookouts. This dish, courtesy of Louisiana Cookin, combines the robust flavors of andouille sausage with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, all complemented by the savory kick of Creole seasoning. Perfect for a casual family gathering or a festive outdoor party, these skewers are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by threading the andouille sausage, shrimp, and onion onto your chosen skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, it is crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Creole seasoning, and chopped parsley. This mixture will infuse the shrimp and onions with a burst of flavor. Brush the seasoned oil generously onto the skewers, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature range between 350°F to 400°F. This heat level is ideal for cooking the skewers to perfection, ensuring the sausage browns nicely and the onions become tender.
  4. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the andouille is browned and slightly crisp, and the onions are tender with a hint of char. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the skewers with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

Suggested Side Dishes

To complement the robust flavors of the Grilled Shrimp-and-Sausage Skewers, consider pairing them with a variety of delicious side dishes:

  • Cajun Rice Pilaf: This side dish, packed with spices and vegetables, echoes the vibrant flavors of the skewers and adds a hearty component to the meal.
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brushed with butter and sprinkled with a bit of Creole seasoning, grilled corn is a perfect match for the skewers, offering a sweet and smoky contrast.
  • Classic Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a refreshing balance to the rich, spicy notes of the andouille sausage and shrimp.
  • Garlic Bread: Toasted to perfection and lightly brushed with garlic butter, this side is great for soaking up any juices from the skewers.
  • Red Beans and Rice: A traditional Southern dish that complements the skewers well, adding depth and additional layers of flavor to the meal.

Grilled Shrimp-and-Sausage Skewers are a delightful addition to any grilling repertoire. Not only do they bring a taste of Louisiana to your backyard, but they also offer a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a novice cook, this recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for any summer gathering. Serve these skewers with a selection of complementary sides, and you’ll have a feast that’s sure to impress your family and friends. These skewers are not just a meal but an experience, capturing the vibrant culinary spirit of the Louisiana bayou. Embrace the ease and enjoyment of grilling these flavorful skewers, and watch as they become a favorite at all your future cookouts.

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Sizzling Shrimp Fajita Recipe

Satisfy everyone at your next scorching summer barbecue with this sizzling shrimp fajita recipe from Simply Recipes. These fajitas take advantage of the grilling heat element by charring your fresh shrimp atop the grill as well as a few serrano chiles, giving your salsa a much-needed kick.

Since everyone typically likes their shrimp fajitas topped with certain ingredients, lean into the grab-and-go, buffet-style preparation of this meal and have everything from the tortillas to the sour cream laid out on the table with covered serving platters. Consider also whipping up some Mexican-adjacent recipes of your own to counterbalance these spicy flavors such as homemade tomato salsa, southwestern rice and beans, white queso, or even guacamole.

No matter what you decide for your serving table, just be sure that you have plenty of tortillas, condiments, toppings, and utensils on hand, as the following recipe tends to produce shrimp fajitas that come in high demand.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fajitas

Charred Serrano Salsa:

2 serrano chiles

½ cup of medium red salsa (store-bought)

½ lime, juiced

Pinch of salt

Spice Mix:

2 teaspoons mild chili powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Toppings

Fresh avocado

Salsa

Fresh cilantro

Sour Cream

Fajitas:

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided

1 red pepper, sliced

1 green pepper, sliced

½ large red onion, sliced

10 medium flour tortillas

Recipe for Shrimp Fajitas

  1. You’ll begin this recipe by combining the necessary ingredients to make your salsa. Start by heating a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and then char your two serrano chiles for approximately two to three minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chile, chop the peppers in half, and dispose of your seeds. Chop up the chiles and stir them into your pre-made salsa alongside your lime juice and salt to boost the flavor of your overall salsa.
  2. Prepare your shrimp’s seasoning by mixing up your spice mix of chili powder, onion, cumin, oregano, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle your shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of spice mix. Coat the shrimp by thoroughly tossing them with the seasoning.
  3. Add 1 additional tablespoon of olive oil to your peppers and onions and then sprinkle the remaining spice mix atop the veggies. Meanwhile, you can heat your large skillet over medium-high heat, and you can add your seasoned veggies to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and char in select spots.
  4. When the veggies are spotted with char, use a cooking utensil to slide them over to one side of the pan and add your seasoned shrimp directly to the cast-iron skillet. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes apiece, stirring regularly. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they tend to cook rather quickly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the stovetop once the shrimp is cooked, and toss the ingredients before covering. Spread your toppings, salsa, and sauces out on a counter or table for a buffet-style dinner. Also, you can consider adding texture to your tortillas by lightly heating them on your stovetop.

Note:

Instead of charring your peppers and cooking your veggies and shrimp on a stovetop, you can use a combination of aluminum foil and a hefty grill pan to properly char the ingredients on a propane or charcoal-based grill. This will allow for a more smoky flavor to accompany the spiciness of the shrimp and peppers for a great summer shrimp fajita.

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