Here is a warm, simple write-up about a favorite comfort dish.
introduction
This Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage is a plate of bold, homey flavors. It fills the house with spice and is easy to make. If you like creamy shrimp meals, you may also enjoy a creamy Cajun shrimp with mushrooms and turkey bacon for another simple dinner.
why make this recipe
Make this dish when you want fast comfort food that feeds a crowd. The rice soaks up spice and meat juices. The shrimp adds a light, bright bite. This is great for weeknight dinners or a casual party. It pairs well with other hearty dishes, like rich meatballs and mushroom gravy, for a filling meal.
how to make Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage
You cook the rice first, then brown the sausage and bacon. Sauté the onion, celery, and pepper. Add spices, mix in the cooked rice and meats, and finish by cooking the shrimp right in the pan. This keeps the shrimp juicy and the rice well flavored. For a holiday or party twist, you can serve it alongside finger foods or sweets like the perfect Christmas cookies.
Ingredients :
1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, 4 links beef sausage, sliced, 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped, ½ cup chicken ham, diced, 1 cup celery, diced, 1 cup green bell pepper, diced, 1 medium onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste, 2 green onions, thinly sliced, Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions :
- Toast and cook rice
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the edges begin to turn golden. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Crisp the bacon and sausage
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the sliced beef sausage and cook 3–4 minutes more, until browned. Transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon. - Sauté the trinity
In the same skillet (leaving behind some rendered fat), add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant. - Add spices
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. - Combine proteins and rice
Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the cooked rice and toss to coat everything evenly in the spices and vegetables. - Cook the shrimp
Push the rice mixture to the sides, creating a well in the center. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Gently fold the shrimp into the rice mixture. - Rest and garnish
Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.
how to serve Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage
Serve hot on a big plate or in a shallow bowl. Add extra chopped green onions and parsley on top. Offer lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze. This dish works well with a green salad or crusty bread. It also fits a party menu when paired with other easy foods like those on the best Christmas party food ideas list.
how to store Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage
Cool the rice to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Do not keep shrimp rice at room temperature for long. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage
- Toast the rice for a little browning flavor.
- Keep some rendered fat in the pan for flavor when sautéeing the vegetables.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; cook them just until they turn opaque.
- Taste and adjust the salt and spices at the end.
- Use warm chicken broth to speed up rice cooking.
variation (if any)
- Make it milder by cutting the Cajun seasoning or skipping cayenne.
- Use chicken or smoked ham instead of sausage for a different taste.
- Add peas or corn for color and texture.
- Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon for more smoky fat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice works but needs more liquid and a longer cook time. Cook it first with the right water ratio, then follow the rest of the recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
A: Yes. Leave out the shrimp and add extra sausage or chicken. You can also fold in cooked beans for protein.
Q: How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?
A: Cook shrimp only 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove from heat quickly and fold them in gently.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It can be. You control the heat by the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne. Use less spice for a mild version.
Conclusion
For more Cajun tips and recipes from a local expert, see George Graham, Author at Acadiana Table.
Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp & Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the sliced beef sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes more until browned.
- Transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon.
- In the same skillet (leaving behind some rendered fat), add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the pan.
- Add the cooked rice and toss to coat everything evenly in the spices and vegetables.
- Push the rice mixture to the sides, creating a well in the center.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque.
- Gently fold the shrimp into the rice mixture.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.