Description
This Shrimp Dirty Rice is a delicious and hearty dish featuring tender shrimp mixed with seasoned rice and a variety of vegetables. Infused with Cajun spices, it offers a taste of the South, making it a perfect main course or side dish. Enjoy it warm, garnished with green onions and parsley for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice, stir briefly, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting cayenne pepper for heat if desired.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently fold it into the shrimp and vegetable mixture until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve warm, enjoying as a main dish or side, paired with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- For added protein, consider including andouille sausage or chicken, cooking it with the vegetables before adding the shrimp.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference, especially the cayenne pepper for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes