Savory Mardi Grad Recipes You Can Make at Home

Ready to bring the spirit of New Orleans home? These 10 Mardi Gras-inspired recipes pack all the bold, spicy flavors of the Big Easy without requiring a trip down Bourbon Street! Whether you’re hosting a Fat Tuesday feast or just craving some Cajun kick, these tested-and-perfected dishes deliver authentic NOLA flavor with surprisingly simple prep. Grab your friends, crank up the jazz, and get ready to cook up a celebration that would make any Louisianian proud! ⚜️

1. 30-Minute New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

A skillet filled with cooked shrimp, garnished with lemon slices and herbs, evokes a delightful Valentine's Day vibe. This dish pairs beautifully with toasted bread drizzled in sauce, offering a tantalizing start to your surf and turf recipes collection. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Most people don’t know real New Orleans BBQ shrimp contains zero barbecue sauce – our mouthwatering recipe reveals what makes this French Quarter classic irresistible.
Get the Recipe → 30-Minute New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

2. Big Easy Fish Po’ Boys

Fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, placed on parchment paper. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These crunchy, flavorful fish sandwiches will transport you straight to a French Quarter café. The secret sauce makes these better than any restaurant version!
Get the Recipe → Big Easy Fish Po’Boys

3. Zesty Shrimp Creole

A skillet filled with cooked shrimp and vegetables, surrounded by bowls of the same dish and lemon wedges. A serving spoon rests in the skillet, and a green cloth is draped nearby. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Your dinner guests will love the bold, spicy flavors in this tantalizing yet easy Shrimp Creole. Let the flavors of the bayou dance on your palate tonight! 🍤⚜️
Get the Recipe → Zesty Shrimp Creole

4. Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese

A plate of spiral pasta with peas, topped with grilled meat and garnished with green herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This indulgent comfort food mashup combines two Fat Tuesday favorites – it’s been a family dish that has given us empty dishes and happy faces whenever we serve this creamy, spicy crowd-pleaser.🧀
Get the Recipe → Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese

5. NOLA-Style Blackened Fish Sandwich

A grilled fish sandwich with leafy lettuce on a green plate against a textured background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The crispy, spicy crust on this swordfish is our family’s best-kept secret – now you can master the technique that makes this sandwich better than any restaurant version.
Get the Recipe → NOLA-Style Blackened Fish Sandwich

6. 20-Minute Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of shrimp tacos filled with avocado, diced tomatoes, red cabbage, and green onions. Surrounded by jalapeños and lime wedges. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Need a quick Fat Tuesday dinner? These zesty grilled shrimp tacos are faster than calling for takeout and packed with authentic Creole spices your family will love.
Get the Recipe → 20-Minute Cajun Shrimp Tacos

7. Cast-Iron Blackened Salmon

Grilled salmon topped with avocado salsa, featuring diced tomatoes, red onion, and herbs, served with shredded red cabbage— a delightful addition to your Valentine's Day surf and turf recipes. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Every Louisiana chef guards their blackening spice blend – we’re sharing our favorite in this foolproof salmon recipe that brings authentic French Quarter flavor to your table in minutes.
Get the Recipe → Cast-Iron Blackened Salmon

8. Spicy Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw, pickles, and a brioche bun. Chips are visible in the background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This Mardi Gras staple delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a kick that’s got our test kitchen fighting over the last bite. The creamy slaw cools everything down perfectly! 🔥
Get the Recipe → Spicy Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich

9. Blackened Swordfish with Traditional Maque Choux

Grilled chicken breast on a bed of mixed vegetables including corn, tomatoes, and celery on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want a light dinner that’s both delicious and filling? This Blackened Swordfish with Maque Choux delivers Cajun flavor and even comes covered in bits of bacon! 🌽
Get the Recipe → Blackened Swordfish with Traditional Maque Choux

10. Mardi Gras Shrimp Boil Packets

Foil packet containing shrimp, sausage, chopped potatoes, corn, and lemon wedges, garnished with herbs. Bread slices are visible on the side. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Everyone at your Fat Tuesday party will be grabbing these individual shrimp boil packets! All the classic NOLA flavors with none of the cleanup hassle. 🦐
Get the Recipe → Mardi Gras Shrimp Boil Packets

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