Name: Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 lb ground sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Shrimp Dirty Rice to bring bold, comforting flavors to your table. This Louisiana classic is packed with tender shrimp, hearty rice, and a rich blend of spices, giving it just the right amount of heat and depth. Every bite is bursting with savory goodness, making it a dish you'll crave again and again.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy one-pot meal that still delivered big flavors. After a few tweaks to the traditional version, I created a shrimp-packed dirty rice that’s now a staple in my kitchen. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is always a hit.

Get ready to bring some Southern soul to your table with this easy and flavorful Shrimp Dirty Rice!

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Dirty Rice

This Shrimp Dirty Rice is a perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavors. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

First off, it’s quick and easy to make. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a steaming, flavorful dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.

It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean! Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping cleanup minimal.

Shrimp Dirty Rice is incredibly budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like rice, bell peppers, and spices, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune.

Lastly, this recipe is highly customizable. Prefer a little extra heat? Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. Want to mix up the protein? Try adding smoked sausage or even ground turkey for a different twist.

Every spoonful is a taste of Louisiana comfort, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in the combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that signature Creole taste.

The star of the show is shrimp. I recommend using medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience. Fresh shrimp give the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

For the base, long-grain white rice is the best choice. It stays fluffy and absorbs all the delicious seasonings without becoming mushy. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to soften.

The holy trinity of Creole cooking—onion, bell pepper, and celery—adds depth and flavor. These aromatic vegetables form the foundation of the dish, creating a rich, savory taste that’s unmistakably Louisiana-inspired.

For heat and spice, Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring the right amount of kick. If you like it milder, go easy on the cayenne, but if you love a fiery dish, feel free to turn up the heat with extra seasoning or a splash of hot sauce.

A bit of chicken broth keeps the rice moist and flavorful as it cooks, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. If you want to lighten things up, you can use vegetable broth instead.

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a large skillet or Dutch oven to bring everything together in one pot.

How To Make This Shrimp Dirty Rice

Cooking this Shrimp Dirty Rice is simpler than you might think. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish packed with bold, savory flavors.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan and set them aside—you’ll add them back in later.

In the same skillet, melt a bit of butter and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor of the dish. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the rice to the pan, letting it toast slightly for extra depth of flavor. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and thyme, ensuring every grain of rice is coated in the spices. This step helps bring out the bold, smoky flavors that make dirty rice so irresistible.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook until the rice is tender and fluffy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once the rice is fully cooked, return the shrimp to the pan and stir everything together. Let the shrimp warm through for another minute or two before serving. The final dish should be fragrant, slightly spicy, and packed with layers of flavor.

This entire meal comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, Shrimp Dirty Rice stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the rice in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture from forming.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the moisture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Shrimp Dirty Rice is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, swap it for another protein like smoked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken. Each option brings a unique twist to the dish while keeping it just as flavorful.

For a vegetarian version, leave out the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a hearty, meat-free alternative.

Want to turn up the heat? Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne to give the dish a spicier kick. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can also do the trick.

If you’re watching your carbs, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just reduce the cooking liquid, since cauliflower rice doesn’t absorb as much as regular rice.

No Cajun seasoning on hand? Make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper. This homemade blend gives you full control over the spice level.

There’s no wrong way to make Shrimp Dirty Rice your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients!

Shrimp Dirty Rice is the ultimate one-pot meal that’s packed with bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it out and let the rich Creole flavors bring a taste of Louisiana straight to your kitchen!