Best Cajun Recipes 17 Amazing Dinners Sides To Make

Jump to Recipe Cajun recipes are full of robust and zesty flavors, so we’ve featured some of the best dishes out of Louisiana for you to make at home! This list includes everything from savory side dishes to classic Cajun entrees, even a good old-fashioned Cajun seafood boil! Spice up dinnertime with any of these incredible Cajun recipes! Best Louisiana Cajun Recipes Cajun cuisine is a unique blend of French and Southern cooking, with a dash of Spanish and African influence. These easy Cajun recipes have a smoky and bold taste that will spice up your meal.
So if you’re looking for some new recipes to try, look no further than this list of easy Cajun recipes. You’ll be sure to find a new favorite dish. Bon appétit!

Understand the difference between Cajun and Creole food.

Jump to:Best Louisiana Cajun Recipes

Cajun Sausage Pasta
Blackened Fish
Dirty Rice
Crawfish Etouffee
Cajun Cabbage Stew
Red Beans & Rice
Cajun Shrimp
Seafood Boil
Cajun Fries
Gumbo Soup
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Shrimp & Grits
Grilled Grouper
Oven Fried Catfish
Roasted Okra
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites 📋 Recipe
Cajun Sausage Pasta If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, look no further than Cajun sausage pasta! This dish is simple to make and features a spicy and flavorful andouille sausage that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s perfect for busy families since it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Give this Cajun sausage pasta recipe a try today!

Cajun Sausage Pasta (One-Skillet Meal)

This easy, incredibly tasty one-pot Cajun sausage pasta is a flavorful dish that’s sure to please the entire family any night of the week! Rich, delicious andouille sausage combines with a rich and creamy pasta to make a pasta dish that’s perfect with every bite!

Check out this recipe

Blackened Fish Who doesn’t love blackened fish? It’s a healthy, fast, and easy dish that can be made with any type of fish. This recipe is for cod, but you can use any white fish. The best part is that you probably have all the blackening ingredients in your pantry.

Blackened Cod

This easy blackened cod is a flavorful seafood dinner that combines tender cod fillets with blackened seasoning for a true delight! It is uniquely appealing to everyone, from seafood lovers to picky eaters that may not be enthused about eating fish at all!

Check out this recipe

Dirty Rice Dirty rice is a classic Louisiana dish made with white rice, ground beef, ground pork, bell peppers, celery, and onions. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe is simple to follow and can be adapted to your liking.

Dirty Rice

This dirty rice recipe is full of Cajun flavor, hearty meat, and lots of aromatic veggies to make a super quick and delicious dinner! So, whip up an easy batch of dirty rice and let the good times roll!

Check out this recipe

Crawfish Etouffee Crawfish etouffee is a Louisiana classic, and it’s perfect for a casual family dinner. This dish is simple to prepare, and the crawfish tails give it a delicious flavor. Serve with some hot French bread and you’ll have a meal that your whole family will love.

Crawfish Etouffee

Crawfish etouffee is a Cajun classic that’s loaded with meaty crawfish tails smothered in a buttery sauce with a little kick! It’s a rich, dark stew that is started with a good old-fashioned roux and sauteed veggies then served over a steaming bed of white rice. Crawfish etouffee is a prime example of why Cajun and Creole cooking are so delicious!

Check out this recipe

Cajun Cabbage Stew Cajun Cabbage Stew is an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy, hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or something to bring to a potluck, this stew is sure to please. give it a try today!

Cajun Cabbage Stew

This Cajun cabbage stew is chock full of savory andouille sausage, tender cabbage, and that unmistakable Louisiana flavor in every bite! It’s warm, comforting, and so easy to put together- it makes a wonderful main course any day of the week!

Check out this recipe

Red Beans & Rice Red beans and rice is a classic Creole dish that is popular in Louisiana. This dish is made with red kidney beans, rice, and various seasonings, and it can be served as a main course or side dish. There are many different ways to make red beans and rice, and this recipe is one of my favorites. It is easy to prepare and it tastes great! I hope you enjoy it.

Red Beans And Rice

This easy red beans and rice recipe is a quick version of the Southern classic because it’s made with canned beans! A touch of zesty Cajun seasoning and chunks of savory sausage make a big bowl of red beans and rice so satisfying. It’s an inexpensive and hearty any-day meal that is great for serving a crowd!

Check out this recipe

Cajun Shrimp This Cajun shrimp recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something tasty and easy to make. It’s also great for families since it’s really affordable and everyone will love the spicy Cajun flavor. Pair with tomatoes & rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Cajun Shrimp

Cajun shrimp can be made in just under 10 minutes. This zesty and buttery shrimp recipe is something that people will rave about! Pair your shrimp with pasta, rice, veggies, or eat them by themselves- no matter what you choose you will have a dinner everyone enjoys!

Check out this recipe

Seafood Boil How about a Cajun seafood boil? It’s easy to make, and the whole family will love it! You’ll need some gulf shrimp, crawfish, potatoes, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage. Serve with your favorite seafood sauce or seasoning! Enjoy!

Cajun Seafood Boil

This Cajun seafood boil combines crayfish, gulf shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, and more for an incredibly delicious dish! It’s a meal that’s absolutely perfect for entertaining guests - and completely suitable as the centerpiece of your gathering! Not to mention, it is ready to enjoy in just 35 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Cajun Fries Whether you’re a mom, dad, home cook, or part of a family, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Cajun fries are delicious! And this recipe is sure to please everyone in your family.

Cajun Fries

These tasty homemade Cajun fries are wonderfully crispy and perfectly seasoned for flavorful fries that everyone will enjoy! They’re easy to make at home and are the perfect side for burgers, barbecue, pulled pork, and more!!

Check out this recipe

Gumbo Soup Do you love gumbo as much as we co? It’s one of our favorite dishes to make, and there are endless variations you can try. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a classic gumbo with shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage - but as a rich, flavorful soup. I promise it will be a hit with your family!

Gumbo Soup

This gumbo soup recipe with chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp is a classic Southern comfort dish straight out of Louisiana! This gumbo is great for any day of the week and it is full of Cajun flavor. Ladle your gumbo soup over some white rice and you’ll have a warm and hearty dish everyone will enjoy!

Check out this recipe

Instant Pot Jambalaya If you’ve ever been to Louisiana, you know that jambalaya is a staple dish. This Creole one-pot meal is so versatile, that it can be made with just about anything. And, best of all, it’s easy to make! In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make classic jambalaya the quick and easy Instant Pot way!

Instant Pot Jambalaya

Instant Pot Jambalaya is the easiest way to get your Cajun fix and it can be on the dinner table in minutes! This zesty one-pot meal is a classic Louisiana recipe that features tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and juicy shrimp mixed with veggies and white rice. Your Instant Pot jambalaya will turn out flavor-packed and totally delicious!

Check out this recipe

Shrimp & Grits Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of shrimp and grits? This classic southern dish is perfect for a weekend breakfast or dinner. And it’s easy to make at home, with just a few simple ingredients. Shrimp and grits are always a hit with kids and adults alike, so it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Southern Shrimp & Grits

Southern shrimp & grits is the epitome of home-cooked comfort food that makes both your tastebuds and your soul happy! Southern shrimp and grits is sometimes called “breakfast shrimp”, though it makes a fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! The warm and cheesy grits topped with perfectly cooked Cajun shrimp that’s been mixed with creamy tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions- it’s downright heavenly!

Check out this recipe

Grilled Grouper If you’re looking for an easy, healthy fish dish to cook on the grill this summer, look no further than grouper. This mild-tasting fish pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it a versatile choice for any menu. Grilling grouper is also a great way to take advantage of those warm summer evenings. So fire up the grill and try out this delicious Cajun grilled grouper recipe!

Grilled Grouper

This grilled grouper recipe is a deliciously light and tasty main course with the perfect touch of heat from my Cajun seasoning! Grouper is a delightfully moist and flaky white fish that does well on the grill, and it’s easy to pair with any of your favorite sides!

Check out this recipe

Oven Fried Catfish Ditch the oil and try oven fried catfish instead. This catfish is super crispy, not at all greasy, and goes just perfectly with a side of tartar sauce. You get the whole fried catfish experience without any of the guilt!

Oven Fried Catfish

This easy oven fried catfish recipe will be your new favorite way to cook catfish because it comes out super crispy without all the grease! Cajun seasoning gives the fish a little kick and a lot of flavor while the cornmeal breading bakes up perfectly golden and crisp. If you’re looking for oven fried catfish that’s a little healthier than the deep-fried stuff, give this recipe a try!

Check out this recipe

Roasted Okra It’s not a southern cookout without some roasted okra. It’s an easy vegetable side dish that is relatively healthy but totally delicious! After some light seasoning, these okra are downright deliciously snackable.

Roasted Okra

Okra doesn’t have to be fried to be delicious, try this roasted okra with simple seasoning and some garlic and you won’t look back! This easy veggie side dish is packed full of flavor, and is much healthier than its fried counterpart!

Check out this recipe

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp New Orleans flavor BBQ shrimp are full of buttery, zesty flavor! It’s an easy last-minute recipe you can whip up at a moments notice. This recipe is not technically BBQ. However, it includes pan-seared shrimp in a buttery Worcestershire sauce that is so delicious that you won’t care that it’s not BBQ.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

These New Orleans BBQ shrimp are buttery, light, and juicy pieces of sautéed shrimp that have been tossed in a savory, delicious sauce! The Cajun-inspired, lemony sauce is so irresistible that it’ll be hard not to fill up on pieces of bread that have been drenched in it! From the first bite to licking the bowl, this famous shrimp dish is full of flavor!

Check out this recipe

Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites Cajun recipes are nothing if not inventive. These grilled alligator bites are spicy and are perfect for dipping in my Cajun dipping sauce!

Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites

These grilled Cajun alligator bites are perfectly cooked pieces of alligator sirloin that are coated in zesty Cajun seasoning! If you’ve never tried gator before, this is the best recipe for trying something new! Plus, it’s the perfect appetizer to impress your friends!

Check out this recipe

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 5 reviews

Cajun Recipes: Dirty Rice (+More Great Dishes To Make!)

Cajun recipes are full of robust and zesty flavors, so we’ve featured some of the best dishes out of Louisiana for you to make at home! This list includes everything from savory side dishes to classic Cajun entrees, even a good old-fashioned Cajun seafood boil! Spice up dinnertime with any of these incredible Cajun recipes!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings Calories: 398kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Total Time 35 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ ½ lb ground beef (leaner is best, up to 80/20 ground chuck)▢ ½ lb ground pork▢ ½ cup onion (1 large white or yellow onion, diced)▢ 1 cup celery (sliced or diced)▢ 1 green bell pepper (diced)▢ 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)▢ 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)▢ ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)▢ 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)▢ 3 ½ cups beef broth▢ parsley (fresh, chopped, optional for garnish)

InstructionsBrown the ground beef and ground pork in a large heavy-bottomed skillet, frying pan, or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking apart the meat until crumbled and browned.½ lb ground beef, ½ lb ground porkOnce the meat is browned, add the diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, garlic, and seasoning (Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper). Stir into the browned meat and saute the vegetables until slightly softened or about 4-5 minutes.½ cup onion, 1 cup celery, 1 green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepperAdd the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir it into the meat mixture, then pour in the beef broth. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, 3 ½ cups beef brothTurn off the heat and leave the dirty rice covered. Allow the rice to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. When done, fluff with a fork and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. parsley NutritionCalories: 398kcal (20%) | Carbohydrates: 40g (13%) | Protein: 22g (44%) | Fat: 16g (25%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg (18%) | Sodium: 213mg (9%) | Potassium: 375mg (11%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 316IU (6%) | Vitamin C: 18mg (22%) | Calcium: 40mg (4%) | Iron: 2mg (11%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! Cajun Seasoning, Dirty Rice, rice side dishes Course Beef Dishes, Pork Dishes, Side DishCuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Best Louisiana Cajun Recipes

Cajun cuisine is a unique blend of French and Southern cooking, with a dash of Spanish and African influence. These easy Cajun recipes have a smoky and bold taste that will spice up your meal.

So if you’re looking for some new recipes to try, look no further than this list of easy Cajun recipes. You’ll be sure to find a new favorite dish. Bon appétit!

Understand the difference between Cajun and Creole food.

1. Cajun Sausage Pasta

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, look no further than Cajun sausage pasta! This dish is simple to make and features a spicy and flavorful andouille sausage that will leave you wanting more.

Plus, it’s perfect for busy families since it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Give this Cajun sausage pasta recipe a try today!

Cajun Sausage Pasta (One-Skillet Meal)

Check out this recipe

2. Blackened Fish

Who doesn’t love blackened fish? It’s a healthy, fast, and easy dish that can be made with any type of fish.

This recipe is for cod, but you can use any white fish. The best part is that you probably have all the blackening ingredients in your pantry.

Blackened Cod

Check out this recipe

3. Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a classic Louisiana dish made with white rice, ground beef, ground pork, bell peppers, celery, and onions. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty meal.

This recipe is simple to follow and can be adapted to your liking.

Dirty Rice

Check out this recipe

4. Crawfish Etouffee

Crawfish etouffee is a Louisiana classic, and it’s perfect for a casual family dinner. This dish is simple to prepare, and the crawfish tails give it a delicious flavor.

Serve with some hot French bread and you’ll have a meal that your whole family will love.

Crawfish Etouffee

Check out this recipe

5. Cajun Cabbage Stew

Cajun Cabbage Stew is an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy, hearty meal.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or something to bring to a potluck, this stew is sure to please. give it a try today!

Cajun Cabbage Stew

Check out this recipe

6. Red Beans & Rice

Red beans and rice is a classic Creole dish that is popular in Louisiana. This dish is made with red kidney beans, rice, and various seasonings, and it can be served as a main course or side dish.

There are many different ways to make red beans and rice, and this recipe is one of my favorites. It is easy to prepare and it tastes great! I hope you enjoy it.

Red Beans And Rice

Check out this recipe

7. Cajun Shrimp

This Cajun shrimp recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something tasty and easy to make.

It’s also great for families since it’s really affordable and everyone will love the spicy Cajun flavor. Pair with tomatoes & rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Cajun Shrimp

Check out this recipe

8. Seafood Boil

How about a Cajun seafood boil? It’s easy to make, and the whole family will love it!

You’ll need some gulf shrimp, crawfish, potatoes, corn on the cob, and smoked sausage. Serve with your favorite seafood sauce or seasoning! Enjoy!

Cajun Seafood Boil

Check out this recipe

9. Cajun Fries

Whether you’re a mom, dad, home cook, or part of a family, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Cajun fries are delicious! And this recipe is sure to please everyone in your family.

Cajun Fries

Check out this recipe

10. Gumbo Soup

Do you love gumbo as much as we co? It’s one of our favorite dishes to make, and there are endless variations you can try.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a classic gumbo with shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage - but as a rich, flavorful soup. I promise it will be a hit with your family!

Gumbo Soup

Check out this recipe

11. Instant Pot Jambalaya

If you’ve ever been to Louisiana, you know that jambalaya is a staple dish. This Creole one-pot meal is so versatile, that it can be made with just about anything. And, best of all, it’s easy to make!

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make classic jambalaya the quick and easy Instant Pot way!

Instant Pot Jambalaya

Check out this recipe

12. Shrimp & Grits

Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of shrimp and grits? This classic southern dish is perfect for a weekend breakfast or dinner.

And it’s easy to make at home, with just a few simple ingredients. Shrimp and grits are always a hit with kids and adults alike, so it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Southern Shrimp & Grits

Check out this recipe

13. Grilled Grouper

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy fish dish to cook on the grill this summer, look no further than grouper. This mild-tasting fish pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it a versatile choice for any menu.

Grilling grouper is also a great way to take advantage of those warm summer evenings. So fire up the grill and try out this delicious Cajun grilled grouper recipe!

Grilled Grouper

Check out this recipe

14. Oven Fried Catfish

Ditch the oil and try oven fried catfish instead. This catfish is super crispy, not at all greasy, and goes just perfectly with a side of tartar sauce.

You get the whole fried catfish experience without any of the guilt!

Oven Fried Catfish

Check out this recipe

15. Roasted Okra

It’s not a southern cookout without some roasted okra. It’s an easy vegetable side dish that is relatively healthy but totally delicious!

After some light seasoning, these okra are downright deliciously snackable.

Roasted Okra

Check out this recipe

16. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

New Orleans flavor BBQ shrimp are full of buttery, zesty flavor! It’s an easy last-minute recipe you can whip up at a moments notice.

This recipe is not technically BBQ. However, it includes pan-seared shrimp in a buttery Worcestershire sauce that is so delicious that you won’t care that it’s not BBQ.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Check out this recipe

17. Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites

Cajun recipes are nothing if not inventive. These grilled alligator bites are spicy and are perfect for dipping in my Cajun dipping sauce!

Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites

Check out this recipe

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 5 reviews

Cajun Recipes: Dirty Rice (+More Great Dishes To Make!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings Calories: 398kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Total Time 35 minutes

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 5 reviews

Cajun Recipes: Dirty Rice (+More Great Dishes To Make!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 398kcal

Prep 5 minutes

Cooking 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ ½ lb ground beef (leaner is best, up to 80/20 ground chuck)▢ ½ lb ground pork▢ ½ cup onion (1 large white or yellow onion, diced)▢ 1 cup celery (sliced or diced)▢ 1 green bell pepper (diced)▢ 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)▢ 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)▢ ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)▢ 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)▢ 3 ½ cups beef broth▢ parsley (fresh, chopped, optional for garnish)

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course Beef Dishes, Pork Dishes, Side DishCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric

Best Louisiana Cajun Recipes#

1. Cajun Sausage Pasta#

2. Blackened Fish#

3. Dirty Rice#

4. Crawfish Etouffee#

5. Cajun Cabbage Stew#

6. Red Beans & Rice#

7. Cajun Shrimp#

8. Seafood Boil#

9. Cajun Fries#

10. Gumbo Soup#

11. Instant Pot Jambalaya#

12. Shrimp & Grits#

13. Grilled Grouper#

14. Oven Fried Catfish#

15. Roasted Okra#

16. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp#

17. Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites#

📋 Recipe#

Cajun Recipes: Dirty Rice (+More Great Dishes To Make!)#

Nutrition#

Best Louisiana Cajun Recipes

1. Cajun Sausage Pasta

2. Blackened Fish

3. Dirty Rice

4. Crawfish Etouffee

5. Cajun Cabbage Stew

6. Red Beans & Rice

7. Cajun Shrimp

8. Seafood Boil

9. Cajun Fries

10. Gumbo Soup

11. Instant Pot Jambalaya

12. Shrimp & Grits

13. Grilled Grouper

14. Oven Fried Catfish

15. Roasted Okra

16. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

17. Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites

📋 Recipe

Cajun Recipes: Dirty Rice (+More Great Dishes To Make!)

Nutrition