You got it! Shrimp Dirty Rice is a bold, flavorful Southern dish made with shrimp, Cajun spices, and rice tossed with aromatic veggies and sometimes a little ground meat (though you can go all-shrimp too). It’s hearty, spicy, and perfect as a main dish or a spicy side.
🍤🔥 Shrimp Dirty Rice
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: ~45 min
🧂 Ingredients:
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1 lb raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more for shrimp)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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½ lb ground pork or ground beef (optional, traditional “dirty” rice uses this)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 celery stalk, finely diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Season & Sear the Shrimp:
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Toss shrimp with a little Cajun seasoning and set aside.
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
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Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Ground Meat (Optional):
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In the same skillet, cook ground pork or beef until browned.
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Add onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until veggies are softened (5–7 min).
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add Spices & Rice:
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Stir in rice, paprika, thyme, and a bit more Cajun seasoning.
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Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and broth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Finish:
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Fluff the rice with a fork.
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Add shrimp back in and gently stir to combine.
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Let sit covered for a few minutes to warm through.
5. Serve:
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Garnish with green onions and parsley.
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Serve hot, with lemon wedges or hot sauce on the side if desired.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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No pork? Use just shrimp for a leaner version.
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Extra heat? Add cayenne or diced jalapeño.
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Dirty it up: Add chicken livers or gizzards (traditional in Cajun recipes).
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Use leftover rice if you’re short on time — just reduce broth and adjust cook time.
Want a one-pot rice cooker version or a low-carb cauliflower rice option? I’ve got you covered!
