This Shrimp Dirty Rice is the ultimate one-pan wonder, packed with bold Creole flavors and a delightful mix of textures. It’s a vibrant, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s lightning-fast to whip up, making it your new go-to for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp, savory ground meat, and perfectly seasoned rice come together for a deeply comforting Southern-style meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: All you need is one skillet and about 30 minutes.
Big on Flavor: Cajun spices, aromatic veggies, and the umami of shrimp make every bite irresistible.
Hearty & Filling: Protein-packed and carb-rich — a full meal in one bowl.
Perfectly Customizable: Easy to adjust for heat, proteins, or veggies based on what you have.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Choose medium or large for a meaty texture that stands up in the dish.
Ground Meat: Traditionally pork or beef, adds richness and depth. Turkey works if you want it leaner.
Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture. White or brown both work well.
Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch. Green is classic, but red or yellow are great too.
Celery: A must for that authentic Cajun flavor. Dice it finely.
Onion: Yellow onion brings sweetness and balance to the spices.
Garlic: Adds aroma and flavor complexity.
Cajun Seasoning: The soul of the dish. Use a blend with paprika, thyme, cayenne, and oregano.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory umami depth.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice moist and amplifies the flavor.
Green Onions: For a fresh, crisp finish.
Parsley: Brightens up the dish right before serving.

Variations

Make it Spicier: Add chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Different Proteins: Try it with andouille sausage, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even tofu.
Add Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra texture and color.
Low Carb: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

How to Make Shrimp Dirty Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat

Push veggies to one side, add ground meat, and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon and mix with the veggies.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

Add cooked rice to the skillet. Pour in a splash of chicken broth to loosen things up. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Nestle the shrimp into the rice mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in chopped green onions and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Leftover Rice: It has a firmer texture that holds up better when mixed.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to get the best browning on the meat.
Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp cook quickly and have the best texture.
Balance the Seasoning: Cajun blends vary, so taste as you go and adjust for salt and heat.

How to Serve

Serve this Shrimp Dirty Rice as a standalone dish — it’s got everything! But if you’re feeling extra:

On the Side:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Cornbread or garlic toast
Steamed green beans or okra

Garnishes:

Sliced green onions
Hot sauce drizzle
A wedge of lemon for brightness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight!

Freezing

Freeze for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Or microwave covered until hot.

FAQs

Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?
No, cooked rice is essential. If you only have raw, cook it separately before starting the recipe.

Is Shrimp Dirty Rice spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick depending on your Cajun seasoning. Add extra spice if you like it hot.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

What kind of shrimp works best?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Dirty Rice is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s bold, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe