Description
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a spicy, savory Southern-inspired one-skillet meal combining juicy shrimp with aromatic vegetables, bold Cajun seasoning, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s rich in flavor, quick to prepare, and easy to customize, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons butter or oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened (about 5–6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in additional Cajun seasoning and paprika. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up clumps. Stir well and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to crisp the bottom slightly.
5. Turn off heat. Mix in sliced green onions, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Day-old rice works best for texture—it’s less sticky and absorbs flavors well.
Don’t overcrowd the shrimp while searing, or they’ll steam instead of brown.
Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to keep the dish moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg