Easy Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe: A Tasty Southern Classic

Tucked away in louisiana’s culinary landscape, this shrimp dirty rice brings bold flavors dancing across your plate.

Spicy seasonings mingle with tender seafood and hearty grains.

Southern comfort speaks through every carefully crafted bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with passionate dedication.

Fragrant herbs and rich ingredients create a symphony of taste that tells a delicious story.

Each forkful promises an adventure into authentic cajun cooking.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this amazing recipe.

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Ingredients For Shrimp Dirty Rice

• Rice: A staple grain that forms the foundation of this hearty dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the rice during cooking.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that brings a delightful coastal taste to the recipe.
• Sausage: Provides a spicy and savory component to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Cajun holy trinity that creates a robust vegetable base.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt: Spice blend that delivers a bold and authentic Louisiana-style flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy and umami element to the rice.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing a light, smooth cooking base.

How To Make Shrimp Dirty Rice

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Rice Base

Swap water for rich chicken broth when cooking rice. Allow rice to rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Delicious Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook sausage until golden and crispy edges develop.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Sliced celery

Cook until vegetables become tender and release their sweet flavors.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme
• Ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Stir continuously for one minute to awaken the spices’ intensity.

Step 5: Introduce Succulent Shrimp

Gently place shrimp into the skillet. Cook until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become perfectly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Blend Everything Together

Pour Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Add cooked rice and mix thoroughly, ensuring every grain absorbs the rich, spicy flavors.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat. Scatter freshly chopped green onions and parsley across the top.

Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Kitchen Tips For Shrimp Dirty Rice

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this vibrant dish.
• Use brown rice for added fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the Cajun spices.
• Choose wild-caught shrimp for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium Cajun seasoning and cutting back on added salt.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to make cooking faster and more streamlined during busy weeknights.

Flavor Alternatives For Shrimp Dirty Rice

• Seafood Medley Dirty Rice: Replace shrimp with a mix of crab, crawfish, and scallops for a luxurious ocean-inspired variation.
• Vegetarian Dirty Rice: Swap shrimp and sausage with black beans, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meatless option.
• Spicy Caribbean Dirty Rice: Add diced habanero peppers, allspice, and coconut milk to infuse a bold Caribbean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Dirty Rice: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the classic dish.

Best Pairings For Shrimp Dirty Rice

• Zesty Cajun Party Platter: Pile the dirty rice onto a large wooden board with crispy corn chips, hot sauce, and extra green onions for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread that invites everyone to dig in.
• Seafood Lovers' Bowl: Serve the dirty rice in individual deep bowls topped with extra grilled shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying main course that highlights the ocean's flavors.
• Creole-Style Stuffed Peppers: Use the dirty rice mixture as a delicious filling for roasted bell peppers, creating a colorful and nutritious meal that transforms the original recipe into an exciting new presentation.
• Quick Lunch Wrap: Wrap the shrimp dirty rice in warm tortillas with a dollop of spicy remoulade sauce, making a portable and tasty lunch option that's perfect for busy days.

Proper Storage For Shrimp Dirty Rice

• Transfer leftover dirty rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Pack the cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Heat until the dish reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What is dirty rice?

Dirty rice is a traditional Cajun dish originating from Louisiana, characterized by its “dirty” appearance from meat and spices mixed into white rice.

• Can I use different types of shrimp?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Peeled or unpeeled both work, but medium or large shrimp are recommended for best texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika provide a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preference.

Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dirty Rice combines bold Cajun flavors with hearty rice and succulent seafood. Creole seasonings and fresh ingredients create a memorable meal you’ll savor with pure Southern comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb ground sausage
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice using chicken broth, allowing it to absorb flavors while cooking. Let stand at room temperature.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then sizzle sausage until golden brown and crispy edges develop.
3. Introduce chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, ground black pepper, and salt into the mixture. Toast spices for 60 seconds to enhance their aromatic qualities.
5. Gently fold shrimp into the skillet, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly.
6. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the ingredients, then incorporate the prepared rice. Thoroughly blend components, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Transfer the dirty rice to a serving platter, generously garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, allowing diners to experience the rich, layered Cajun-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Opt for low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt intake for health-conscious diners.
• Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative for those following keto or paleo diets.
• Select wild-caught shrimp for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly protein choice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg