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Cajun Shrimp Dirty Rice

Cajun Shrimp Dirty Rice
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Cajun Shrimp Dirty Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender shrimp seasoned with spicy Cajun spices and a rich, savory dirty rice base. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal blends heat, heartiness, and Southern charm, making it perfect for busy weeknights and a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup white or brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (mix of green, red, yellow), chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure quick and even cooking.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir briefly, then add shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with vegetables and shrimp. Stir well to combine and let flavors meld together over low heat for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Add Cajun seasoning gradually and taste as you go to control spice level.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
  • “Holy trinity” vegetables (celery, bell peppers, onions) create the key base flavor in Cajun cooking.
  • Allow the dish to rest a minute before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, shrimp, dirty rice, quick dinner, spicy, one-pot meal, Southern cuisine, easy recipe, gluten free

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/cajun-shrimp-dirty-rice/