Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

Introduction

Savor the bold flavors of Shrimp Dirty Rice, a classic Creole-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp, savory sausage, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. This one-pot meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1/2 lb ground pork sausage
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: hot sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, cook the ground pork sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
5. Step 5: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Gently stir in the cooked shrimp and chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Step 8: Serve the shrimp dirty rice hot, with optional hot sauce on the side for added heat.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, consider using andouille sausage instead of ground pork sausage.
• If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the cayenne pepper or omit the hot sauce.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
• Feel free to swap the long grain rice for brown rice; just increase the cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is it necessary to cook the shrimp separately?

Cooking the shrimp separately helps prevent overcooking and ensures they stay tender. Stirring them in at the end warms them through without becoming rubbery.

Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

A flavorful and spicy Shrimp Dirty Rice recipe featuring tender sautéed shrimp, ground pork sausage, and aromatic Cajun-seasoned vegetables mixed with long grain white rice, perfect for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Meat

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb ground pork sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Pantry Items and Spices

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: hot sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the ground pork sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop flavor.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
5. Toast the Rice: Add the long grain white rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
6. Simmer the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
7. Combine and Finish: Stir the cooked shrimp and fresh parsley into the rice mixture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Serve the shrimp dirty rice hot, with optional hot sauce on the side for added spice.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh parsley instead of dried.
• You can substitute ground pork sausage with Andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun taste.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
• Make sure to toast the rice in the skillet to enhance its nuttiness before simmering.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Shrimp Dirty Rice, Cajun Shrimp, Spicy Rice with Shrimp, Southern Cuisine, Cajun Recipe, Shrimp Sausage Rice