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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 small red onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap quinoa for rice or couscous if needed. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor. If you want to skip shrimp, try chicken or tofu. Bell peppers can be replaced with zucchini or carrots for a different crunch. Garlic powder or onion powder works if you lack fresh garlic or onion. For Cajun seasoning, you can mix paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs to make your own blend. This dish serves four people and is packed with nutrients. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 5g - Sodium: 500mg This meal is not only delicious but also offers a good mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Enjoy the flavor and the health benefits in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitter taste. Next, boil 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Once it boils, add the quinoa. Lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, check if the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is gone. If it looks good, set it aside. While the quinoa cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Then, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning on top. Stir well to coat the shrimp. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Now, it’s time to mix everything. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup of corn to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 more minutes until the peppers soften. After that, fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. Gently fold the quinoa into the skillet. Make sure all the shrimp and veggies are mixed in well. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! For the best results, rinse the quinoa. This helps remove bitter flavors. Use a medium saucepan. Bring vegetable broth to a boil before adding the quinoa. Cook it on low heat. Cover it to keep the steam in. In just 15 minutes, it will be fluffy and ready. While the quinoa cooks, focus on the shrimp. Use a large skillet for even cooking. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced red onion and minced garlic first. Cook until the onion is soft. This step builds a rich base for flavor. Cajun seasoning is key to this dish. Use a good mix with paprika, cayenne, and herbs. You can add more if you want extra heat. Fresh garlic also boosts the flavor. Don’t skip the green onions and parsley for garnish. They add freshness and color to your meal. Serve this dish warm for the best taste. A light salad goes great on the side. Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This helps soak up any leftover sauce. Enjoy your flavorful weeknight meal with family and friends! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp for a more tender and flavorful dish. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed for even cooking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference. Start with less, and you can always add more to taste. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach to add more color and nutrients to your skillet. Let it Rest: After combining all ingredients, let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Use diced chicken breast for a heartier meal. Cook it until golden, just like the shrimp. You can also try sausage. Andouille sausage adds great flavor. Just slice it and sauté it with the onions and garlic. To make it vegetarian, skip the shrimp and use more veggies. Add mushrooms or zucchini for texture. For a vegan dish, use tofu instead of shrimp. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it until golden. This gives a nice bite to the meal. Use vegetable broth, as in the original recipe. Use fresh, seasonal veggies to boost flavor. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes. In fall, consider adding butternut squash. You can also adjust the spices based on the season. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add brightness, too. To store leftovers of your Cajun shrimp quinoa skillet, let it cool to room temperature. Place the meal in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave. Place the skillet in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. If you prefer the stove, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. To freeze your Cajun shrimp quinoa skillet, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. This dish can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This quick thawing helps the shrimp cook evenly. They will still taste great with the Cajun spice! If you want to swap out quinoa, try brown rice or couscous. Both options are easy to cook and have a nice texture. Brown rice gives a nutty flavor, while couscous cooks quickly. Choose what fits your meal best! No, this dish is not a true one-pot meal. You need two pots: one for the quinoa and another for the shrimp and veggies. However, both are easy and quick to make. You can still enjoy a fast and tasty dinner! In this blog post, we covered how to create a delicious shrimp dish. We started with the right ingredients, explored cooking methods, and shared useful tips. Remember to try different proteins and flavors to keep it exciting. Storing leftovers properly helps keep your meal fresh. Don't hesitate to experiment with seasonal ingredients. This dish offers variety and is easy to make. Enjoy the fun of cooking and sharing with others.

Cajun Shrimp Quinoa Skillet

A flavorful and healthy skillet dish featuring shrimp, quinoa, and colorful vegetables, seasoned with Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and stir to coat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Incorporate the diced red and yellow bell peppers and corn into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  • Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and gently fold it into the skillet with the shrimp and vegetables, ensuring everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.
Keyword Cajun, healthy, quinoa, shrimp, skillet