I chose to share this recipe for Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa because it's a flavorful dish that will make your taste buds do a fucking happy dance. Plus, quinoa is an underrated grain that deserves some goddamn recognition. So, let's spice things up and get cooking!

Let me tell you something, you know what really grinds my gears? Those pretentious cooking blogs that act like they have all the answers to life's culinary mysteries. They prance around with their organic, farm-to-table bullshit, making you feel like you're not a "real" cook unless you're using hand-harvested sea salt from a remote island in the Mediterranean. Well, fuck that noise! Cooking should be about passion, flavor, and a healthy dose of swearing in the kitchen.

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (Yeah, rinse that shit)
• 1 ¾ cups water or broth (Don't you dare use plain water, broth is the only way to go)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Get the good ones, none of that frozen baby shrimp crap)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Don't be shy with the spice, we want to taste the flames of hell in every bite)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin, none of that basic olive oil nonsense)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (Make it fucking colorful)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (We're not playing around with bland flavors here)
• 1 onion, diced (Bring on the tears, you crybaby)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Garlic is life, don't skimp)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Season that shit like your life depends on it)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (Because we're not monsters, we want it to look pretty too)

Step 1: Cook the quinoa

In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Season the shrimp

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors mingle and party together like it's Mardi Gras in your mouth.

Step 3: Sear the shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the veggies

In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the veggies are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper because bland food is for losers.

Step 5: Combine everything

Add the cooked quinoa and seared shrimp back to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything together like you mean it and let it heat through for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

Divide the Cajun shrimp and quinoa mixture among plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Don't just stand there, start fucking eating!

xoxo
The Very Fucking Angry Chef
posted on Friday, November 15 2024