Low Carb Cajun Red Beans & Cauliflower Rice

Low Carb Cajun Red Beans & Cauliflower Rice is a medium Cajun recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Unrivaled on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 60 min

Cost: $27.88 total, $6.97 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Shrimp (peeled, deveined, medium‑large; pat dry thoroughly)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin; divided)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade; use additional pinch for layering)
  • 12 ounces Andouille Sausage (sliced into 1/4‑inch rounds)
  • 1 can Red Kidney Beans (15 oz, low‑sodium; drained and rinsed)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar‑Free Tomato Paste (no added sugar)
  • 4 cups Cauliflower Rice (freshly riced or frozen; thawed if frozen)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped; optional garnish)
  • 1 whole Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dry and Season Shrimp

    Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels, then toss them with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Andouille Sausage

    Slice the Andouille sausage into 1/4‑inch rounds.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Preheat Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Let the oil shimmer.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high

  4. Crisp the Sausage

    Add the sausage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  5. Remove Sausage

    Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Cook Shrimp

    Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet. Cook 60‑90 seconds per side until pink and just opaque. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-high

  7. Sauté Vegetables

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and your pre‑cut mixed vegetables (e.g., bell pepper, onion, celery). Sauté 5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Layer Cajun Seasoning

    Sprinkle a pinch of Cajun seasoning over the veggies and stir to coat.

    Time: PT30S

  9. Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Incorporate Red Kidney Beans

    Add the drained kidney beans, stir, and cook 2 minutes to heat through.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Add Tomato Paste

    Stir in the sugar‑free tomato paste and cook 1 minute, allowing it to coat the mixture.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Stir‑Fry Cauliflower Rice

    Add the cauliflower rice, toss to combine, and cook 5 minutes until heated through but still slightly firm.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  13. Final Seasoning & Herbs

    Add fresh thyme leaves and, if needed, another pinch of Cajun seasoning. Stir briefly.

    Time: PT30S

  14. Re‑Add Sausage

    Return the crisped sausage to the skillet, mixing to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  15. Plate and Garnish

    Divide the mixture into bowls, top each with shrimp, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprig of thyme.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free sausage), Keto‑friendly

Allergens: Shellfish, Pork

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Low Carb Cajun Red Beans & Cauliflower Rice

Recipe by Cooking Unrivaled

A high‑protein, low‑carb Cajun‑style skillet meal featuring spicy Andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, red kidney beans, and fluffy cauliflower rice. Quick, one‑pan, and packed with bold flavor.

MediumCajunServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
23m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.88
Total cost
$6.97
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crisp sear.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; 60‑90 seconds per side is sufficient.
  • Layer Cajun seasoning gradually for depth of flavor.
  • Cook cauliflower rice just until tender to avoid sogginess.
  • Re‑add sausage at the end to retain its crisp texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw sausage.
  • Be cautious of oil splatter when adding ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp in Cajun cuisine?

A

Red beans and rice is a classic Cajun comfort food that originated in New Orleans as a humble, one‑pot meal using pantry staples. Substituting cauliflower rice keeps the tradition low‑carb while the addition of Andouille sausage and shrimp reflects the region’s love for smoky pork and Gulf seafood.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of red beans and rice in Cajun cuisine?

A

Traditional Cajun red beans and rice uses smoked sausage, ham hocks, and a mirepoix of onions, bell peppers, and celery. Some versions add shrimp for extra protein, while others keep it vegetarian. The cauliflower‑rice version is a modern, low‑carb twist that maintains the same seasoning profile.

cultural
Q

How is Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp traditionally served in Louisiana?

A

It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, topped with sliced green onions or fresh thyme and a wedge of lemon for brightness. It may be accompanied by crusty cornbread or a simple green salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is this Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet associated with in Southern cuisine?

A

The dish is popular for casual weeknight meals, potlucks, and Mardi Gras gatherings where hearty, flavorful one‑pot dishes are prized. Its high protein content also makes it a favorite among fitness‑focused gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for this Cajun dish versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include Andouille sausage, shrimp, red kidney beans, Cajun seasoning, and fresh thyme. Substitutes can be smoked sausage or chorizo for the pork, canned black beans for the kidney beans, and regular tomato paste if sugar‑free is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp?

A

Pairs nicely with a simple side of collard greens, a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad, or classic cornbread. A chilled glass of iced tea or a light lager complements the spice level.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet?

A

Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, letting the cauliflower rice sit too long and become soggy, and adding all the Cajun seasoning at once, which can overwhelm the flavor. Layer seasoning gradually and keep the cooking time short for shrimp.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a skillet instead of a traditional pot for red beans and rice?

A

A skillet provides a larger surface area for browning the sausage and shrimp, creating a deeper Maillard flavor. It also allows the cauliflower rice to stay fluffy rather than steaming in a deep pot.

technical
Q

Can I make Red Beans and Cauliflower Rice with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sausage, beans, and cauliflower rice up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them separately. Reheat the skillet, add the shrimp last, and finish with fresh lemon and thyme before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Unrivaled specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking Unrivaled focuses on high‑protein, low‑carb meals, quick one‑pan recipes, and practical cooking hacks for busy home cooks who want flavorful, nutritious dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Unrivaled's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

Cooking Unrivaled emphasizes low‑carb adaptations, such as using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, and prioritizes protein‑rich ingredients like shrimp and sausage while still preserving authentic Cajun seasoning techniques.

channel

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