Shrimp Dirty Rice – Savory, Spiced, and Satisfying

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. Packed with Cajun spices and layered with savory flavors, this hearty one-pan meal is both comforting and easy to prepare. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a dish that delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor – Cajun spices and sautéed veggies give it a rich, smoky kick.
One-Pan Meal – Rice, shrimp, and veggies cook together for easy cleanup.
Hearty & Comforting – A filling dish that’s perfect as a main course.
Quick to Make – Ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: a splash of hot sauce for extra heat

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Rice and Spices
   Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Simmer the Rice
   Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Combine and Finish
   Stir shrimp back into the rice and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Remove bay leaf, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~340
Protein: 24g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Adjust Spice Level – Add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They cook quickly, so remove them once pink to stay tender.
• Use Long-Grain Rice – Helps keep the dish fluffy instead of sticky.

Why This Recipe Works

The holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery builds the foundation of flavor, while Cajun seasoning adds depth and spice. Cooking the rice in broth infuses it with richness, and the shrimp add protein and a satisfying bite.

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a bold, comforting, and hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. With its Cajun flavors, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice, it’s a one-pan recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious.