Description
Sizzling Cajun comfort meets Louisiana charm in this irresistible Shrimp Dirty Rice, packed with bold spices and hearty flavors. Savory shrimp nestled among robust rice create a spicy southern classic you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) hamburger meat
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground sausage
- 10–12 shrimp, tail off and deveined
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) seafood seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
- 3 teaspoons (3 tsp) minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons (3 tbsp) vegetable oil
Seasoning and Rice Base:
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broth (chicken or seafood)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) oregano
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) thyme
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp by coating with seafood seasoning, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for pink color and characteristic C-shape formation, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil and introduce hamburger meat and ground sausage, breaking into small crumbles.
- Brown meat thoroughly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the browned meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent.
- Incorporate oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Dust flour over the mixture, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and create a smooth base.
- Gradually pour in broth while stirring, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.
- Fold in cooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the rich, seasoned mixture.
- Let the rice absorb flavors for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.
- Gently return cooked shrimp to the skillet, folding carefully to integrate without breaking.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Swap ground meats with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
- Choose wild-caught shrimp to ensure sustainable seafood sourcing and enhance environmental consciousness while cooking.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium broth and cutting salt quantity in half, perfect for heart-healthy dietary needs.
- Allow rice to cool slightly before mixing to prevent overcooking and maintain distinct grain texture for a more authentic Cajun-style presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 422 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 485 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg