Tangy Cajun Shrimp Rice Recipe: A Zesty Southern Comfort

Crispy, zesty Cajun shrimp rice brings a spicy southern charm to your dinner table.

Aromas of paprika and garlic dance through the kitchen, promising a flavor explosion.

Succulent shrimp nestle atop fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Fresh herbs add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich spices.

Louisiana cooking traditions shine in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks can easily master this quick and delicious meal that packs serious flavor punch.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this comforting, spice-filled creation.

Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet Bursting With Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Craft a zesty Cajun blend that transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor explosion, perfect for those craving bold, restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines rice and shrimp into a satisfying dish, reducing dishes and saving precious time after dinner.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Customize spice levels to suit everyone's palate, ensuring kids and adults can enjoy this exciting, colorful meal together with minimal fuss.

Ingredients Checklist For Cajun Shrimp And Rice

• Paprika: Adds a sweet, slightly smoky flavor to the Cajun spice mix.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a rich, aromatic base for the seasoning.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the Cajun blend.
• Oregano: Contributes an earthy, herbal note to the spice mix.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle, minty undertone to the seasoning.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the spices.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Creates a fluffy, light foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the rice while cooking.
• Garlic: Infuses the rice with a robust, savory flavor.

• Shrimp: Serves as the main protein, providing a tender and succulent texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to coat the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning.

Steps For Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet Fast

Step 1: Craft Cajun Spice Blend

Gather your dried herbs and spices to create a zesty Cajun seasoning.

Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

Blend thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Toast and Cook Rice

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and rice, stirring to coat the grains with oil.

Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning mix over the rice.

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover.

Simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare Spicy Shrimp

In a separate bowl, melt butter and coat fresh shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning.

Ensure each shrimp is generously covered with the spice blend for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Dish

Gently add the seasoned shrimp to the cooked rice skillet.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

The shrimp should be tender and opaque, with a slight curl indicating they are perfectly done.

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Pro Tips For Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rice Perfection

• Create your own Cajun seasoning blend for a personalized taste profile that's fresher and more vibrant than store-bought mixes.
• Toast rice with garlic before adding broth to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping for fluffy, separated grains.
• Watch shrimp carefully during final 3-5 minutes to avoid overcooking; they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
• Swap butter for olive oil and use brown rice for a healthier version without sacrificing the bold Cajun flavors.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity in seasoning mix to make the dish mild or extra hot according to your heat preference.

Cajun Skillet Variations For Shrimp And Rice Fans

• Vegetarian Zest: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or cauliflower chunks, keeping the same Cajun spice blend and cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Kickoff: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains the spicy flavor profile.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option while preserving the signature Cajun seasoning.
• Gluten-Free Feast: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free broth to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Serve Cajun Shrimp And Rice Tonight

• Spicy Seafood Feast: Serve the skillet with a fresh lemon wedge to brighten the flavors and add a zesty citrus touch.
• Creole Comfort Plate: Pair with a cool, crisp green salad to balance the rich, spicy shrimp and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Southern Sidekick: Complement the dish with warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious Cajun-spiced sauce and complete the meal.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and an extra layer of fresh herb flavor.

Storing Cajun Shrimp And Rice For Lunch

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically combines paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme for a spicy and flavorful blend.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

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

• Is this dish spicy?

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.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this skillet dish, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well without becoming mushy.

Cajun Shrimp Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rice delivers a mouthwatering Louisiana-style feast that dances with bold flavors and zesty seasonings. Hearty rice blanketed with succulent shrimp promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 1/3 cups white rice
• 2 2/3 cups chicken broth

Cooking Fat:

• 4 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant Cajun spice blend by meticulously combining aromatic herbs and spices to create a robust flavor profile.
2. In a skillet, toast rice kernels with minced garlic, allowing them to become translucent and fragrant, then sprinkle half the prepared seasoning mixture.
3. Pour chicken broth into the rice, allowing it to gently simmer and absorb liquid for approximately 15 minutes until grains become tender and fluffy.
4. While rice cooks, prepare shrimp by coating them generously with melted butter and the remaining Cajun seasoning, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly seasoned.
5. Carefully introduce the seasoned shrimp into the partially cooked rice, nestling them gently across the surface of the skillet.
6. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, allowing shrimp to turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked through without becoming rubbery.
7. Remove skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a moment, allowing flavors to meld and seasoning to distribute evenly across the rice and shrimp.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning by adjusting spice levels to suit your heat tolerance, balancing cayenne pepper with paprika for a milder kick.
• For a low-carb alternative, swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a lighter, diet-friendly version of the dish.
• Ensure shrimp are evenly coated with seasoning and butter for maximum flavor, cooking just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Enhance protein options by substituting shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for a versatile one-pan meal that adapts to different preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 377 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg