Shrimp dirty rice skillet

This shrimp dirty rice skillet is perfect when you want a onepan meal packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. Combining shrimp, sausage, ground beef, and classic Cajun spices, it captures the heart of Southern cooking in an easytomake dish. Whether you are feeding family on busy weeknights or serving guests, this dish offers satisfying protein, vibrant spices, and a touch of seafood sweetness that makes every bite memorable.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings because it hits the perfect balance of spicy and savory. I especially love how the shrimp brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty blend.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 450 grams for rich and hearty texture choose fresh lean beef for best flavor
• Ground pork sausage: 450 grams adds juicy spiced depth opt for good quality sausage for authenticity
• Medium shrimp: 12 peeled and deveined brings tender seafood sweetness select firm fresh shrimp with no fishy odor
• Cooked white rice: 4 cups preferably day old or separated freshly cooked rice to absorb sauce well
• Chicken broth: 480 milliliters adds moisture and deepens flavors use low sodium broth for better salt control
• Mixed onions and bell peppers: 1.5 cups finely chopped for the classic Cajun veggie base pick crisp fresh vegetables
• Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons divided neutral oil helps sauté without overpowering the flavors
• Plain flour: 1/4 cup used to thicken sauce allpurpose flour works best
• Seafood seasoning: 1 teaspoon infuses shrimp with coastal flavor choose a blend with paprika and herbs
• Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon adds aromatic herb notes use freshly dried for best aroma
• Minced garlic: 3 teaspoons provides pungent savory punch fresh garlic preferred
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon adds an earthy herb flavor complements meat and seafood
• Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon intensifies garlic flavor for deeper seasoning
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon adds subtle sweetness rounds out the spice mix
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon gives gentle warmth use a balanced blend for flavor not just heat
• Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon sharpens spices adjust to taste
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon brings out all flavors adjust to preference
• Cayenne pepper: pinch adds subtle heat enhances complexity without overpowering

Instructions

Sear the shrimp:

Toss peeled and deveined shrimp in seafood seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook shrimp 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and curl into a classic Cshape. Remove shrimp and set aside to keep moist and avoid overcooking.

Brown the meats:

Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Add ground beef and pork sausage, breaking meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook stirring frequently until meats brown and release savory aromas.

Sauté the vegetables:

Add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meats. Cook over medium heat until vegetables become tender and meat is fully browned. This step builds the flavor base and softens the veggies just right.

Add the seasoning and flour:

Sprinkle oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper evenly over the meat and vegetables. Stir gently to combine. Sprinkle flour on top and stir well to coat everything evenly. The flour will thicken the sauce beautifully.

Simmer with broth:

Pour chicken broth into the skillet while scraping brown bits stuck to the pan which add depth of flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Sauce will thicken slightly and spices will meld into a rich savory blend.

Add the rice:

Fold in the cooked white rice mixing thoroughly so every grain is coated with the sauce. Continue simmering for 5 minutes to warm the rice and allow flavors to meld.

Finish with shrimp and adjust seasoning:

Return shrimp to the skillet gently folding them into the rice mixture to avoid breaking. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

My favorite ingredient here is definitely the shrimp for its gentle sweetness mingling beautifully with the spicy savory flavors. I recall making this for a friend new to Cajun food and seeing their delighted surprise was a wonderful reminder that good comfort food bridges cultures effortlessly.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to three days. Reheat gently on stove with a splash of broth to keep rice moist. This dish freezes well so double the batch and enjoy for quick future meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pork sausage is unavailable try Italian sausage or chorizo for a tasty variation. Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork for a leaner option. Brown rice can replace white rice though it results in a heartier texture and slightly longer cooking. Shrimp can be swapped for diced chicken breast or firm white fish if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. For a festive touch pair with a cold beer or chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc which cuts through the richness nicely.

Enjoy this flavorful onepan skillet with crusty bread or a crisp salad. Pair it with a cold beer or a chilled white wine to cut through the richness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Day-old cooked white rice is ideal as it absorbs the sauce better and prevents the skillet from becoming mushy.

→ Can I substitute the meats in this skillet?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and pork sausage, though sausage adds a distinctive, spiced flavor.

→ How do I keep shrimp tender when cooking?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until opaque and curled, avoiding overcooking that makes them tough.

→ Why is flour added to the skillet?

Flour thickens the sauce during simmering, creating a rich texture that coats the rice and meats evenly.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. Modify chili powder and cayenne pepper quantities to lower or increase the heat to your taste.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crisp green salad or crusty bread balance the hearty skillet, while chilled white wine or beer complements the flavors.