Shrimp dirty rice is a bold and flavorful Southern dish made with juicy shrimp, seasoned rice, and aromatic vegetables. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comforting Creole flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the rice: Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the shrimp: While the rice cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a separate skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Combine and serve: Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and stir in the cooked shrimp. Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Dirty Rice:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and get fluffy grains.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- Use smoked sausage or ground beef along with shrimp for a heartier dish.
- Fresh shrimp works best, but thawed frozen shrimp also works well.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings