Description
Spicy, savory, and loaded with Cajun flavor, this Shrimp Dirty Rice is the perfect one-pan dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a Southern-inspired gathering. Juicy shrimp, bold seasoning, and fluffy rice come together with sautéed aromatics and sweet green peas in this satisfying, easy dinner idea. It’s a go-to for those craving a bold yet comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a hearty family dinner, or meal-prep-worthy food ideas, this easy recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (preferably day-old)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup green peas
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Clean and devein shrimp, then pat dry. Season with a little salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Dice onion, celery, bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Push veggies to the side, add shrimp. Sear 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to coat the vegetables and toast the spices for 1 minute.
5. Add rice and stir well. Pour in broth gradually to moisten and loosen the rice.
6. Return shrimp to pan, fold in green peas. Cook 2–3 more minutes until heated through. Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Notes
For best texture, always use day-old rice that’s been chilled.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — it should be just opaque and tender.
A splash of lemon juice at the end lifts the whole dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: shrimp dirty rice, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Cajun rice, quick shrimp recipe