Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

 

Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a bold, flavorful dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana Cajun cuisine. The name “dirty rice” comes from the appearance of the rice after it’s cooked with seasoned meat, spices, and vegetables, giving it a deep color and incredible flavor. This dish combines juicy shrimp, savory ground beef, and spiced sausage with perfectly cooked rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal in every bite.

What makes Shrimp Dirty Rice truly special is the balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp add tenderness and sweetness, while the seasoned meats bring depth and richness. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery add aroma and freshness, and Cajun spices tie everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that is filling, comforting, and packed with authentic Southern flavor. Whether you serve it for dinner or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (hamburger meat)
• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 10–12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail removed
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the meats

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and sausage.
• Cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
• Remove excess fat if needed.

2. Cook the vegetables

• Add olive oil if necessary.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Cook the shrimp

• Add shrimp to the skillet.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and fully cooked.

4. Add rice and seasoning

• Add cooked rice to the skillet.
• Add paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well and cook for 3–5 minutes so flavors combine.

5. Finish and serve

• Turn off heat.
• Garnish with green onions and parsley.
• Serve hot.

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Tips

• Day-old rice works best because it stays firm.
• Do not overcook shrimp.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
• You can use only shrimp if you prefer a lighter version.