Why Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp is a flavorful, hearty dish packed with savory sausage, crispy bacon, and tender shrimp. This classic Louisiana-inspired recipe combines spices and aromatics for an unforgettable meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 links beef sausage, sliced
• 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• ½ cup chicken ham, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the edges begin to turn golden. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the sliced beef sausage and cook 3–4 minutes more, until browned. Transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, leaving behind some rendered fat, add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
5. Step 5: Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the cooked rice and toss to coat everything evenly in the spices and vegetables.
6. Step 6: Push the rice mixture to the sides, creating a well in the center. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Gently fold the shrimp into the rice mixture.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
• Leftover rice can be used; just reduce cooking liquid accordingly when toasting.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free sausage and check that your Cajun seasoning contains no gluten additives.

Why Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

This Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender shrimp, savory beef sausage, and turkey bacon with aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices. Toasted rice cooked in chicken broth creates a perfectly textured base infused with the rich seasoning and proteins, delivering a classic Louisiana-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the Protein:

• 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 links beef sausage, sliced
• 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• ½ cup chicken ham, diced

For the “Holy Trinity” and Aromatics:

• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices:

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Toast and Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges start to turn golden. Add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
2. Crisp the Bacon and Sausage: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the sliced beef sausage to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon.
3. Sauté the Trinity: In the same skillet, leaving behind some of the rendered fat, add diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to toast and release the flavors of the spices.
5. Combine Proteins and Rice: Return the cooked turkey bacon and beef sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked rice and toss everything together so that the spices, vegetables, and proteins are evenly mixed.
6. Cook the Shrimp: Push the rice mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the center. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are just opaque and cooked through. Gently fold the shrimp into the rice mixture.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use chicken broth for more flavorful rice; water can be substituted if needed.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness according to preference.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure sausage and bacon are gluten-free.
• Serve with hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated well for next-day meals.

Keywords: Cajun dirty rice recipe, shrimp dirty rice, Cajun rice with sausage, Louisiana dirty rice, spicy rice with shrimp