Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe
A flavorful Shrimp Dirty Rice recipe combining savory hamburger and pork sausage with seasoned shrimp, vegetables, and spices, all mixed with tender cooked rice for a hearty Cajun-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Halal
Proteins
- 1 lb hamburger meat
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 10–12 shrimp, tail off and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tsp minced garlic
Grains & Liquids
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broth (we recommend Better Than Bouillon chicken broth)
Oils & Thickeners
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup flour
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper, more to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat)
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with seafood seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they curl into a nice “C” shape. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Then add oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Incorporate Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
- Combine with Rice and Shrimp: Add the 4 cups of cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice with the seasoned meat mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the rice absorbs the flavors. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Shrimp Dirty Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious Cajun-inspired meal!
Notes
- Use cooked, day-old rice for best texture and to prevent mushiness.
- You can substitute shrimp with crawfish or chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to your desired spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Shrimp Dirty Rice, Cajun rice recipe, seafood dirty rice, spicy rice dish, Southern cooking