Shrimp Dirty Rice
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy shrimp, seasoned long grain white rice, and a medley of herbs and spices for a bold, comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe balances tender shrimp with fluffy rice and fresh vegetables, delivering authentic Southern flavors that can be easily customized to your taste.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern / Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Rice and Broth
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the long grain white rice in chicken broth instead of water to infuse extra flavor and maintain fluffiness. Once cooked, set aside and allow it to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with Cajun or Creole seasoning. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with aromatics, add the cooked rice and stir thoroughly to mix flavors. Return the shrimp to the pan and gently fold all ingredients together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm, optionally adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking rice; slightly undercook to prevent mushiness when mixed.
- Season both the shrimp and rice to layer flavors effectively.
- Chop vegetables and season shrimp ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- Adjust spice levels gradually to suit your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Shrimp, Dirty Rice, Cajun, Creole, Quick Dinner, Seafood, Gluten-Free, Southern Cooking