Description
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a classic Southern dish that combines tender shrimp, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice for a vibrant and flavorful meal. This quick and easy recipe brings bold Southern flair to your kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Packed with protein, vegetables, and rich seasoning, it’s a hearty, colorful, and satisfying dish that also makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings and Fats
- 1–2 tablespoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Dice the bell peppers, onions, celery, and mince the garlic to keep the cooking process smooth and organized.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil and add the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Shrimp and Garlic: Stir in the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Generously sprinkle Creole or Cajun seasoning. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and shrimp with the spices.
- Final Touches: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with finely sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor rather than frozen.
- Do not overcook the rice; slightly undercooked rice will absorb flavors better and stay fluffy.
- Add Creole or Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level effectively.
- Sauté shrimp and vegetables on medium-high heat to develop deeper flavors and slight caramelization.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp dirty rice, southern shrimp recipe, easy shrimp rice, cajun rice, creole shrimp, weeknight dinner, gluten free shrimp recipe
