This Shrimp Dirty Rice is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, combining the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the rich, savory depth of seasoned sausage. The holy trinity of Cajun cooking—bell pepper, onion, and celery—infuses every bite with aromatic warmth, while the blend of Cajun spices adds a tantalizing kick. The dish is beautifully rounded out by the fresh, bright notes of green onions and parsley, making each mouthful a harmonious celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana
Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 pound ground sausage
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Season and Combine: Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and oregano to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Mix in Rice and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Shrimp Dirty Rice hot, with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top if desired.
