Cajun Sausage from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ features spicy, smoked sausage seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served sliced to reveal a juicy, flavorful interior with a crispy, well-charred exterior, delivering a smoky and zesty barbecue experience.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Grill
- Charcoal or wood chips
- Mixing bowls
- Sausage stuffer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat grinder
- Thermometer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder
- 1/2 lb (225g) pork fat
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons white pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- Natural hog casings
Your Cajun sausage achieves its signature smoky and spicy profile through the careful balance of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a blend of garlic and onion powders. Using natural hog casings ensures the sausage maintains an authentic texture and holds the flavorful filling securely during cooking. Incorporate both pork shoulder and pork fat for juiciness and tenderness in every bite. Ice water helps keep the mixture moist while blending the spices evenly throughout the meat. You can recreate the Cajun Sausage from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ copycat menu by following these ingredient guidelines and using traditional smoking and grilling methods.
Instructions
- Prepare and clean natural hog casings; soak in water.
- Cut pork shoulder and pork fat into small chunks.
- Chill meat and fat in the freezer for 30 min.
- Grind pork shoulder and fat using a meat grinder (coarse setting).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, salt, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, parsley, hot sauce, green onions, and ice water.
- Mix thoroughly until sticky and well-blended.
- Load sausage mixture into sausage stuffer.
- Stuff sausage into prepared casings, forming long links.
- Twist or tie casing at intervals for individual sausages.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C); use charcoal or wood chips for smoke.
- Place sausages on a baking sheet or directly on smoker grates.
- Smoke sausages for 2–3 hours until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Grill smoked sausages briefly, turning with tongs, until casing is crisp and deeply charred.
- Rest for 5 minutes; slice with a sharp knife.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Making a Cajun Sausage similar to Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ at home allows you to customize the spice level and flavor profile by adjusting key ingredients like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. If natural hog casings are unavailable, collagen casings can serve as a suitable substitute without compromising texture. When a smoker is not accessible, grilling over charcoal or wood chips can impart a smoky flavor, although it may be less intense. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) for safe consumption. You can incorporate additional fresh herbs or hot sauce to match your personal taste preferences within the mix.
Tips
Ensure natural hog casings are thoroughly cleaned and soaked to prevent breakage during stuffing, which maintains sausage integrity. Keep the pork shoulder and fat well-chilled before grinding to achieve the ideal coarse texture for juicy sausages. Monitor internal temperature closely with a thermometer, aiming for 155degF (68degC) to ensure safe doneness without drying out the meat. When grilling, use tongs carefully to avoid puncturing the sausage casing, preserving the smoky, crispy exterior you want for your Cajun Sausage.
Nutritions
Cajun Sausage from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ provides a rich source of protein from quality pork shoulder and fat, essential for muscle repair and growth. The blend of spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder not only enhances flavor but also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. You get a moderate amount of fat, which contributes to energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the herbs and spices. This sausage delivers a balanced combination of macronutrients while bringing a smoky, zesty taste experience to your plate.
Storage
Store your Cajun sausage in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze at 0degF (-18degC) for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture. Always thaw frozen sausages in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure safe and even heating.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting the pork shoulder with a blend of pork and beef for a richer flavor. You can experiment with different wood chips like hickory or applewood to vary the smokiness in your Cajun sausage. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes while keeping the aromatic herbs for balanced taste. When smoking, maintaining a consistent temperature of 225degF ensures your sausage remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
Allergies
Cajun Sausage from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ contains pork and natural hog casings, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to pork products or certain meat preservatives. The blend of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can also cause allergic reactions or irritations for those with sensitivities to nightshades or spices. Your best option is to check the ingredient list thoroughly and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ Cajun Sausage menu features authentic, spicy sausages crafted with a unique blend of Cajun spices, delivering bold and smoky flavors that excite the palate. The sausage is expertly smoked, ensuring a juicy and tender bite that perfectly complements the smoky barbecue taste Lucille's is famous for. You'll appreciate the balance of heat and savory seasoning in each link, making it a standout dish that invites smoky, homemade experimentation. Creating a copycat version at home allows you to recreate this mouthwatering flavor combination while customizing spice levels to fit your taste preferences.