Imagine a plate of Shrimp Dirty Rice, where spicy shrimp dance with the vibrant colors of bell peppers and green onions, creating a festival of flavors. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and promising a culinary adventure that’s as satisfying as finding a forgotten ten-dollar bill in your jeans.
This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration that transports you to the lively streets of New Orleans. Every bite bursts with savory goodness, making it the perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. perfect dipping sauce Trust me; you will want to make this again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Dirty Rice is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings
- The flavor profile combines spices and fresh ingredients for an unforgettable taste
- Its colorful presentation is sure to impress at any gathering
- You’ll love how versatile this dish is, pairing perfectly with various sides or standing alone
I remember the first time I served Shrimp Dirty Rice at my family reunion; my cousin literally licked her plate!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Medium Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they’re deveined for easy cooking.
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Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain rice as it cooks well without becoming mushy.
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Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only add flavor but also enhance visual appeal.
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Onion: A sweet onion works best here, adding depth to the overall flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a robust aroma and taste.
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Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives this dish its signature kick—don’t skimp! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun chicken pasta recipe recipe.
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Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water adds layers of flavor to the rice. For more inspiration, check out this Thai red curry chicken recipe.
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Green Onions: These not only add freshness but also a pop of color on top.
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Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens up all the rich flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by preparing your workspace and gathering all your ingredients—it’ll make your cooking process smoother than butter on hot toast. crispy butter beans.
Heat Up Your Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Allow it to get hot enough until shimmering before adding any ingredients.
Sauté the Veggies: Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers into the sizzling skillet. Cook until they soften and turn translucent while releasing their sweet aroma.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic along with Cajun seasoning. Cook until fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds—then do a little happy dance because your kitchen smells incredible!
Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan, stirring frequently until they are pink and cooked through—about 3-5 minutes should do. shrimp stir fry recipe Keep an eye on them; no one likes rubbery shrimp!
Add Rice and Broth**: Pour in uncooked rice, stirring it into the mix before adding chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil; then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer until rice absorbs all liquid.
Finish with Freshness**: Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped green onions for brightness. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful plate of Shrimp Dirty Rice! Enjoy every bite as you revel in flavors that transport you straight to Louisiana’s heart—the magic is real! wild rice soup.
You Must Know
- Shrimp Dirty Rice is a delightful twist on the classic dish
- The combination of spices and shrimp creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
- Adding sausage boosts flavor and heartiness, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the vegetables to build flavor, then add the rice and shrimp. This sequence ensures every grain absorbs those delicious spices.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add extra spices like cayenne pepper for a kick. Personalize it to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque but not rubbery
- Ensure your rice is well-rinsed before cooking to prevent sticky clumps
- For extra flavor, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving
Sharing this dish at my brother’s barbecue made me realize how much people love a good meal! Their compliments kept my spirits high, proving that food truly brings us together.

FAQ
What type of rice is best for Shrimp Dirty Rice?
Long-grain white rice works best as it stays fluffy and separates easily during cooking.
Can I make Shrimp Dirty Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually within 3-5 minutes of cooking.
Shrimp Dirty Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this quick and easy Shrimp Dirty Rice. Spiced shrimp mingle with colorful bell peppers and fresh herbs in a fragrant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This one-pot wonder not only delights your taste buds but also offers a visually stunning presentation. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, deveined
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell peppers until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add shrimp to the pan, cooking until pink and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).
- Mix in uncooked rice, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer until the rice absorbs all liquid (approximately 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (225g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg




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