Why Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
