Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stir Fry
Bring bold Southern-inspired flavors to your dinner table with this Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stir Fry. Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and colorful vegetables are tossed in a buttery Cajun seasoning blend for a quick, satisfying meal that’s low in carbs and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe delivers plenty of protein and flavor while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Keto and low-carb friendly
Ready in just 30 minutes
One-pan meal with easy cleanup
High in protein
Bold Cajun flavors
Perfect for meal prep
Naturally gluten-free (check sausage and seasoning labels)
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
½ medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Cajun Seasoning
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
Large skillet or wok
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
Transfer the sausage to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the butter and remaining olive oil to the skillet.
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, zucchini, and bell peppers to the skillet.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet.
Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Expert Tips
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Brown the Sausage First
Browning creates caramelized edges that add extra flavor to the dish.
Keep the Vegetables Crisp
Cook over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking to maintain texture and color.
Adjust the Heat
Use more or less cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Cajun Stir Fry
Add ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup grated Parmesan to create a rich, creamy Cajun sauce.
Chicken and Sausage Version
Replace the shrimp with bite-sized chicken breast or chicken thighs.
Seafood Medley
Add scallops or chunks of firm fish along with the shrimp.
Extra Vegetables
Include mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli florets, or spinach for more variety.
What to Serve with Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stir Fry
Keep your meal keto-friendly by serving it with:
Cauliflower rice
Garlic butter zucchini noodles
Roasted broccoli
Sautéed spinach
Cauliflower mash
Steamed green beans
Fresh side salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutritional Benefits
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 410
Protein: 31g
Fat: 28g
Net Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the brands of sausage and seasoning used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to help them sear properly.
What type of sausage is best?
Smoked sausage or andouille sausage works best. Check the nutrition label to choose a variety with minimal added sugars if you’re following a strict keto diet.
Is Cajun seasoning keto-friendly?
Most Cajun seasoning blends are low in carbohydrates, but it’s always a good idea to read the ingredient label for hidden sugars or starches.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Omit the butter and Parmesan cheese, and use additional olive oil instead.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and slice the sausage in advance for even faster cooking when you’re ready to make the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, crisp vegetables, and bold Cajun spices in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this low-carb recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto-friendly dinner that’s sure to become a regular favorite. 🍤🌭🫑🧄🧈