Sizzling Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe for Dinner Magic

Whipping up a Cajun shrimp and rice skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Spicy seasonings dance across plump, tender seafood nestled among fluffy grains.

Coastal Louisiana traditions inspire this quick and satisfying meal that packs serious punch.

Bold Creole spices create a symphony of heat and depth in every single bite.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine to deliver restaurant-quality results in less than thirty minutes.

Southern comfort meets culinary excitement through this one-pan wonder that promises deliciousness from first taste to final forkful.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when hunger calls and time is short.

Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet Packed With Flavor

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning and a mix of spices that create a mouthwatering explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Streamline Cooking Process: One-pan meal that minimizes kitchen cleanup and simplifies cooking, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty, satisfying dish that brings together seafood and rice in a way that appeals to both family dinners and casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients To Create Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein and Cajun-style flavor profile for this skillet dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Foundational vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Frozen Peas or Corn: Optional vegetable additions that provide color and extra nutrition.
• Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Garnish that adds brightness and fresh herb notes.

• Rice: White or long-grain rice serves as the hearty base of the skillet meal.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and adds additional flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the rice mixture.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates the signature Cajun taste profile.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Cooking fat used for sautéing and preventing sticking.

How To Make Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Spice Up the Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet with olive oil until it’s shimmering hot.

Toss in the seasoned shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink with slight char marks. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Rice Transformation

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toast the rice for a couple of minutes to awaken its flavors and absorb the spices.

Step 4: Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Reunite and Warm

Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the rice.

• Frozen peas
• Corn kernels

Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the top.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive into this zesty one-pan wonder!

Pro Tips To Perfect Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

• Marinate shrimp in Cajun seasoning for 15 minutes before cooking to intensify spice penetration and enhance overall taste profile.
• Stir rice constantly while toasting to avoid sticking and ensure even flavor distribution without scorching the bottom of the skillet.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect spiciness.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for alternative protein options that maintain the classic Cajun flavor experience.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or green onions immediately before serving to add bright color and vibrant, crisp flavor to the finished dish.

Tasty Variations To Try With Cajun Shrimp And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based shrimp alternative, keeping Cajun seasoning and cooking method identical for a meatless protein option.
• Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains the bold Cajun flavor profile.
• Seafood Medley Skillet: Incorporate mixed seafood like scallops, crab, and shrimp to create a more diverse ocean-inspired one-pan meal with identical spice blend.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasoning labels to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while preserving the original recipe's core elements.

Pairings To Match Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the spicy Cajun flavors, cutting through the dish’s richness with bright, refreshing acidity.

Grab a light lager or wheat beer that can handle the bold seasoning, providing a smooth, cooling contrast to the skillet’s fiery profile.

Create a zesty margarita or classic mojito with lime juice, which will enhance the shrimp’s seafood notes and balance the dish’s spicy undertones.

Mix a fruity white sangria loaded with citrus slices, offering a playful, vibrant drink that mirrors the skillet’s energetic Cajun spirit and refreshes the palate.

Storage Guidelines For Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper that gives dishes a distinctive Louisiana-style flavor and heat.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess moisture during cooking.

• How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and check that your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet delivers bold Southern flavors in one sizzling pan. Louisiana’s culinary spirit comes alive with zesty seasonings and succulent shrimp that will make you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Base and Vegetables:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Infuse the shrimp with a zesty Cajun blend by thoroughly coating them in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously covered.
2. Sear the shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn vibrant pink and develop delicate charred edges. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, introduce another drizzle of olive oil and sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they soften and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and allow the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
5. Incorporate uncooked rice, blending it with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to amplify the depth of flavors.
6. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
7. Gently fold the reserved shrimp back into the rice, including any accumulated juices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. If desired, add frozen peas or corn and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
9. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic presentation.
10. Serve immediately, savoring the bold Cajun-inspired one-pan creation while it’s piping hot.

Notes

• Boost shrimp flavor by marinating in Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste profiles.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild Cajun seasoning for sensitive palates.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options, maintaining the same cooking method and spice blend.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase nutritional value and create a healthier version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg