Not that anyone needs a reason to explore easy Cajun recipes, but have you heard of the Eighth, aka Battle of New Orleans Day?
New Orleans has a rich history. The city was once best known for its now-forgotten holiday called The Eighth, or Battle of New Orleans Day. A federal holiday between 1828 and 1861, the Eighth commemorated the U.S. victory over Great Britain in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. The victory essentially ended the War of 1812, known to historians as “America’s Second War of Independence.”
Although no longer a federal holiday, Battle of New Orleans Day is a great occasion to explore what Louisiana is best known for: Cajun food.
A quick history of Cajun cuisine
Cajun cooking originated amongst French Acadians who were deported to Louisiana from Canada during the 18th century. The word Cajun comes from the French cadienne, and the cuisine is heavily influenced by Native American and African American culinary traditions.
The warm, humid climate of Louisiana differed greatly from the frigid Canadian east coast, so settlers had to make do with the ingredients that were available. That’s why Cajun cuisine incorporates various seafood ingredients such as shrimp, crayfish (aka crawfish), and catfish. These can all be found either in the Mississippi River or the Gulf of Mexico.
Cajuns also replaced potatoes, a staple of their former settlements, with rice — which grows easily in the marshlands of Louisiana. Add in a few strong spices, like cayenne and black pepper, to deliver those characteristic Cajun flavors you know best.
Read on for 30 easy Cajun recipes to celebrate that spicy Louisiana cuisine and America’s second independence.
5 easy Cajun pasta and rice recipes
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo by Salt & Lavender
This 40-minute recipe combines pasta, chicken, shrimp, and a Cajun Alfredo sauce. You can prep the chicken and shrimp on a skillet while boiling the pasta, combining everything at the end to create the perfect Cajun Alfredo dish.
Recipe: Cajun chicken and shrimp Alfredo
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta by This Ole Mom
This dish combines chicken and sausage topped off with a cheesy Cajun sauce. You start by cooking your vegetables in the skillet while bringing your pasta to a boil. You then cook your meats before mixing everything together.
Recipe: Cajun chicken and sausage pasta.
If you prefer your pasta with only chicken, try our Cajun chicken pasta recipe as an alternative.
Easy Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage by The Forked Spoon
This recipe is a more traditional combination of red beans, rice, and smoked sausage made the Cajun way. This takes about an hour to make. Combine your rice and beans while you brown the meat, and you’ll end up with a tasty combo that’ll have you craving a Sazerac.
Recipe: Easy read beans and rice with smoked sausage.
Vegetarian Jambalaya by Bean Recipes
Vegetarians, here’s a meatless jambalaya recipe. Combine paprika, spicy cayenne, garlic, oregano, pepper, and thyme to create a traditional Cajun seasoning. You’ll end up cooking everything in one pot for a total cooking time of 35 minutes.
Recipe: Vegetarian jambalaya by Bean Recipes.
Dirty Cajun Rice by Little Sunny Kitchen
This 45-minute recipe shows you how to make Cajun rice with sausage. Once the rice is cooked, brown the meat, add the traditional Cajun spices, and you’ll have a great dirty rice in no time!
5 easy Cajun salad and appetizer recipes
Cajun Coleslaw by Bite on the Side
Here’s a coleslaw recipe with a Cajun twist. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a coleslaw that packs a bit of Cajun spice using traditional seasoning.
Creamy Cajun Potato Salad by Bite on the Side
Although potatoes aren’t traditionally part of Cajun cuisine, this recipe is a great way to make potato salad more interesting. Like many recipes on this list, its use of Cajun seasoning sets this salad apart from the rest.
Recipe: Creamy Cajun Potato Salad
Cajun Shrimp Salad by Recipes From a Pantry
This Cajun shrimp salad is a creative, healthy alternative to many carb-filled Cajun recipes. The total prep time is just 15 minutes!
Cajun Salad Dressing by Wholly Tasteful
And if you’re making a Cajun salad, you’ll need the appropriate salad dressing. This yogurt-based, spicy dressing will add a complete flavor profile to your favorite salads without overpowering them.
Recipe: Creamy Cajun Salad Dressing
Southern Overnight Crockpot Boiled Peanuts by Temecula Blogs
If you have a slow cooker, how about some boiled peanuts? This is a simple recipe with only 10 minutes of prep time and 10 hours of cook time. After the slow cooker does its magic, you’ll have some tasty peanuts, perfect as a side dish after work.
Recipe: Southern Overnight Crockpot Boiled Peanuts
4 easy Cajun chicken recipes
Blackened Chicken Tenders by The Feathered Nester
These chicken tenders pack strong flavor into every bite. With five minutes prep time and 10 minutes cook time, this recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and healthy chicken recipe.
Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders
Cajun Wings by Aubrey’s Kitchen
Want to spice up your wings? These wings are spicy and cook in only 8 minutes while utilizing the traditional Cajun spices.
Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits by The Toasty Kitchen
This recipe combines Cajun chicken with grits, another southern favorite. Cook your grits and chicken separately and combine at the end for a spicy flavor. This recipe requires 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Recipe: Cajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits
Cajun Spiced Oven Baked Chicken Recipe by Neils Healthy Meals
This recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish, but the results are extraordinary. This healthy chicken recipe goes well with rice, couscous, or vegetables.
Recipe: Cajun Spiced Oven Baked Chicken
Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Tacos by Savvy Bites
Tacos probably don’t come to mind when you think of Cajun food, but these tacos take the best of both Mexican and Cajun flavors to create a unique fusion. This recipe only takes only 30 minutes to prepare and sets itself apart from the rest.
Recipe: Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
7 easy Cajun seafood recipes
10 Minute Cajun Shrimp by Recipes from a Pantry
We can’t make a list of Cajun recipes without including a classic Cajun shrimp. All you need for this one is a skillet and 10 (plus the ingredients, of course).
Recipe: 10 Minute Cajun Shrimp
Crawfish Etouffee by Birth Eat Love
Here’s a gluten-free take on crawfish etouffee. It takes about an hour to make, and it makes for a wonderful meal. It’s best served with rice.
Cajun Salmon by You Say Potatoes
While salmon isn’t traditionally a part of Cajun cuisine, this is a fun way to spice up an old favorite and experience new flavors at the same time. With just 10 minutes of cooking time required, this healthy recipe is very satisfying in the winter months.
Cajun Broiled Shrimp by Julie’s Eats and Treats
This recipe takes a bit longer, 40 minutes, but it’s a nice option for cooking shrimp in a healthy way. With just four ingredients, this simple recipe is great for beginners and makes for juicy shrimp.
Charred Okra and Shrimp by Beyond Mere Sustenance
A list of Cajun recipes would be incomplete without mentioning okra. This cooking time for this dish is only 10 minutes. By combining okra with shrimp, you’re left with a great contrast of flavors and a lovely Cajun meal.
Recipe: Charred Okra and Shrimp
Another option if you’re craving something old school is our own recipe, Cajun fried crappie. Cornmeal breaded fish, fried in oil — what could be better?
East Cajun Shrimp by A Cedar Spoon
This Cajun shrimp recipe is an easy weeknight meal that you can get on the table in under 15 minutes. The dish uses your favorite Cajun flavors, spice, and some honey, which leaves a sweet aftertaste. Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside a roasted vegetable dish!
Cajun shrimp wrap by Blog Chef
Bobby’s original spicy shrimp wrap recipe that you can make in 30 minutes. This is a Blog Chef favorite, because it’s delicious and satisfying, but so simple too.
2 easy Cajun sausage recipes
Slow-Cooker Cajun Jambalaya by Diethood
This jambalaya recipe is great for busy people. Just prepare the ingredients and let it cook! Once it’s ready, enjoy the classic flavor of home-cooked jambalaya.
Cajun Sausage and Rice by I Heart Eating
Here’s another sausage recipe, but it only requires a skillet. With a total cooking time of just under 30 minutes, you’ll be able to make an excellent rice dish that’s high in protein.
Recipe: Cajun Sausage and Rice
1 easy Cajun pork recipe
Cochon de Lait by Gypsy Plate
This recipe makes for a delicious pulled pork. You’ll need a crock pot for this one, but once you let it cook for hours, the meat will be tender and full of flavor!
5 easy Cajun side dishes
Homemade Dirty Fries by My Morning Mocha
These easy-to-make dirty fries are full of flavor. Just 25 minutes in the oven will give you will give you cheesy fries with Cajun undertones.
Popeyes Cajun Fries by Chefjar
If you’re not into dirty fries, check out these Popeyes-style Cajun fries. They’re super crispy and packed with flavor. It takes just 45 minutes to make them. You can even bake them in the oven for a healthier version.
Spicy Cajun Gravy by The Toasty Kitchen
Gravy is a common side item in the south, but there isn’t usually much variety to it. This spicy Cajun gravy, however, is a nice improvement to the original. Introduce Cajun spices to your cooking with this gravy!
Cajun Boiled Red Potatoes by This Ole Mom
Boiled potatoes are usually boring – these are not. By mixing these potatoes with a Cajun seasoning, you’ll be able to make healthy potatoes that don’t lose their flavor in the boiling process. The total time on this recipe is 50 minutes.
Instant Pot Red Beans with Rice from Recipes from a Pantry
This 45-minute mostly hands-free recipe allows you to make this side while you’re cooking your main dish. You can cook the rice and beans separately at high pressure and have a dish that nicely complements your main.
Recipe: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
So…which Cajun recipes will help you celebrate the Battle of New Orleans Day?