Description
This easy Shrimp Dirty Rice is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal made with juicy shrimp, savory spices, and tender rice. A twist on the Southern classic, it’s perfect for weeknights and packs in a bold Cajun kick with minimal effort. You’ll get the rich taste of traditional dirty rice, but lightened up with shrimp for a fresh and fast dinner option.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For the rice base:
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 pound ground sausage (optional for extra richness)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3️⃣ Stir in the garlic, paprika, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. If using sausage, add it now and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4️⃣ Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the spices and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5️⃣ Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
6️⃣ Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the rice. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to heat through.
7️⃣ Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, try using Andouille sausage in place of regular ground sausage. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper. Leftovers store well and can be reheated in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.