Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice recipe is the perfect one-pot meal for the entire family. Completely packed with bold, spicy cajun flavor, this recipe includes a tender "rice-like" cauliflower base and comes topped with colossal well-seasoned shrimp and tender tomatoes, that will leave you having more than just a few bites! One pot meal, completely easy to make, ready in as little as 30 minutes--with its quick and easy preparation, it's the perfect choice for a stress-free and delicious weeknight dinner! Completely Gluten-free + Dairy-free option.

Why Spicy Cajun Shrimp + Cauliflower Rice?

I'm so excited to share this Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice recipe. Seafood lovers, this one's for you—it's an absolute favorite in my house whenever we're not indulging in our plant-based delights! The cauliflower rice recipe adds a nutritious twist to this flavorful cajun seafood dish, making it a guilt-free delight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner option when you crave a satisfying meal without the fuss. That's why I created the "Weeknight Meals" category—to bring you delightful options that effortlessly combine convenience and deliciousness. Trust me; this crowd-pleaser won't disappoint. But if cauliflower rice isn't your thing, don't worry—I've got you covered with other seafood recipes like Healthy Weeknight Shrimp Fried Rice, One-Pot Creamy Lobster and Orzo, or this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli that might suit your taste perfectly!

Plus, if you're a lover of cajun flavors, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo, Cajun Veggie Pumpkin Pizza, Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Tortellini Soup, and Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits!

How to Make Spicy Cajun Shrimp+ Cauliflower Rice

To start this Cajun Shrimp recipe, first, create your own Cajun seasoning. Then, prepare the cauliflower rice and mix it with sauteed juicy shrimp and delectable kale, its ready in just 30 minutes!

Here's what you will need for this recipe-

Ingredients

CAULIFLOWER RICE:

• Cauliflower: The superstar of this dish! It's like magic how it transforms into a rice-like texture
• Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• Veggie Stock: Infuses moisture and brings extra savory notes.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a spicy kick for those who love heat.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature blend for a rich and bold taste.
• Freshly-squeezed Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish and adds a hint of acidity.

SHRIMP + OTHERS:

• Wild-Caught Colossal Shrimp: Succulent + protein-rich juicy goodness!
• Cajun Seasoning: Coats the shrimp with irresistible flavor. Make your own homemade seasoning blend.
• Dried Parsley: Enhances visual appeal and brings mild herby notes.
• Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green, adding a healthy twist.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the cooking process.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and vibrant colors. Try my Herb roasted tomatoes for an extra burst of umami flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzled for a smooth and flavorful finish.

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a flavorful spice blend originating from Louisiana's Cajun culture-- Known for its smoky, spicy, and herbaceous taste. Beyond Louisiana, it's a beloved spice mix used globally, perfect for adding a taste of the South to dishes! This is a spice blend you’ll want to keep on hand to season everything from Cajun Sweet Potato Grits + Chickpea to Cajun Veggie Pumpkin Pizza. The ingredients are simple and you probably already have them at home. 

CAJUN SEASONING BLEND

To make your cajun shrimp recipe seasoning, combine:

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder

Together, these herbs and spices strike the perfect balance of savory and fresh with a bit of smoky heat. 

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

The great thing is that making cauliflower rice is SUPER easy! Granted, if you're low on time and energy, you can always purchase cauliflower rice via your Amazon or other stores that sell great healthy options.

However, if you're into making it from scratch like I did, then look no further. This easy cauliflower rice recipe includes a handful of easy steps that will ensure that your rice comes out perfectly by simply using a food processor.

• Start off by breaking up the cauliflower into florets and rinsing and then patting dry.
• Next---add the florets to a food processor, pulsing a few times until fully broken up and minced into a "rice-like" consistency.
• Lastly, you add the cauliflower to a skillet along with your seasoning and a few ingredients, and wallah!

3 Tips For The Perfect Cauliflower Rice

• Go for freshness: Opt for a firm and vibrant cauliflower head without any discoloration or soft spots. Fresh cauliflower ensures better flavor and texture in your rice.
• Be mindful with the food processor: Pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble rice-like grains for consistent results. Try not to under or over-blend.
• Cook with care: Achieve the perfect texture by cooking the cauliflower rice just until it's tender, but still has a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, so keep an eye on it! Sautéing the cauliflower rice not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to reduce excess moisture.

Benefits of Cauliflower 

Cauliflower is a true nutritional powerhouse, offering a myriad of benefits that will make you fall in love with this versatile veggie. Here's why cauliflower deserves a place on your plate and weeknight dinner rotation:

• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, to boost your immune system and support overall health.
• Rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a happy gut.
• Low in calories and carbs, making it a great option for weight management and low-carb diets.
• Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage.
• Versatile in the kitchen, allowing you to experiment with various recipes and swap it for higher-calorie ingredients.

What Type Of Shirmp Is Best?

When selecting shrimp for this recipe, I suggest going for extra large or large shrimp. These sizes strike a balance between being substantial enough to provide a satisfying bite and not too overwhelming.

While it may sound counterintuitive, using frozen and thawed, shrimp can actually be advantageous. Opting for frozen shrimp allows you to have more control over the quality and timing of your meal preparation. It's like having a secret stash of deliciousness in your freezer, ready to be transformed into a scrumptious meal whenever you desire an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You Will LOVE This Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice

• Loaded with tasty + vibrant flavors
• It’s full of protein + low carb!
• Quick + easy weeknight dinner option.
• Nutrient-packed + satisfying combination.
• Versatile & customizable to your taste.

Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice Q + A's

More Seafood Recipes To Try Next!

• Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon, Lobster + Veggies
• One Pot Creamy Lobster + Orzo
• Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta
• BBQ Jerk Salmon Burgers
• Date Night Healthy Shrimp Lo Mein
• Creamy Blackened Salmon Chowder

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice

March 15, 2022 •

By Shanika

4.84 from 18 votes

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice recipe is the perfect one-pot meal for the entire family. Completely packed with bold, spicy cajun flavor, this recipe includes a tender "rice-like" cauliflower base and comes topped with colossal well-seasoned shrimp and tender tomatoes, that will leave you having more than just a few bites! Completely Gluten-free + Dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CAULIFLOWER RICE:

• 2 head of Cauliflower, chopped in medium chunks + rinsed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup veggie stock
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2-3 Tbsps cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought
• 1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

SHRIMP + OTHERS:

• 2 lbs. wild-caught Colossal shrimp
• 1-2 Tbsps cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought (See Notes)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 cups kale, de-stemmed + chopped
• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter, for cooking
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzle

Instructions

TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER RICE:

• Once you've broken cauliflower head into florets and rinsed and patted them dry, add florets to a food processor. Pulse a few times until cauliflower is broken down/minced into a "rice-like" consistency. Set aside.

SAUTEE THE SHRIMP:

• In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsps of butter until melted. Add in the minced garlic to sauté frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in the shrimp (seasoned w/ cajun seasoning + parsley) and cook on both sides (about 3-4 minutes), until pink and cook through. Remove shrimp from the skillet unto a plate and set aside.

ASSEMBLY:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In the same skillet (with juices from shrimp + all), add riced cauliflower and mix everything together. Next, add seasonings, lemon juice, and hot sauce and stir again. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cauliflower rice has fully soaked in everything is becomes tender. Add in the kale, tomatoes, and shrimp ensuring that they are spread out evenly.
• Drizzle everything lightly with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and place skillet directly in oven to bake for 8-10 minutes, until the kale has wilted and the tomatoes have become slightly tender.
• Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with dried parsley and extra hot sauce, if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftovers can be kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Re-heat when ready to serve.
• SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 380mg | Sodium: 507mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6550IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 4mg

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