Name: Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 lb ground sausage or ground beef; 2 tbsp butter or oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and black pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Shrimp Dirty Rice to satisfy your craving for bold, comforting flavors. With tender shrimp, savory sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish is a Louisiana classic that brings the taste of the South straight to your kitchen.

I first fell in love with dirty rice while visiting New Orleans, where the aroma of Cajun spices and sizzling seafood filled the air. When I recreated it at home, I discovered just how easy and budget-friendly this dish can be. Whether you're feeding a crowd or making a quick weeknight meal, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Dirty Rice

Get ready to enjoy a meal that's bursting with bold flavors and incredible texture. This Shrimp Dirty Rice is not only delicious but also packed with benefits that make it a must-try.

First off, it’s quick and easy to make. With just one pot and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like rice, shrimp, and sausage, you can create a meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or even add veggies to make it your own.

Finally, the rich, savory flavor is simply irresistible. The combination of Cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and plump shrimp creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying with every bite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Shrimp Dirty Rice lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that's packed with bold, comforting flavors.

The base of this dish is long-grain white rice. It absorbs all the delicious seasonings and creates the perfect texture. You can also use brown rice, but keep in mind it may require additional cooking time.

For the protein, I love using shrimp and smoked sausage. The shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that balances the deep, smoky flavor of the sausage. If you prefer, you can swap the shrimp for chicken or ground turkey.

No dirty rice is complete without Cajun seasoning. A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne gives this dish its signature kick. You can adjust the amount to match your spice preference.

A mix of onion, bell pepper, and celery—known as the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking—adds depth and richness. These vegetables cook down beautifully, infusing the rice with authentic Southern flavor.

For extra depth, chicken broth is a must. It enhances the rice’s flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.

How To Make This Shrimp Dirty Rice

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to bring the bold flavors of the South to your table.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the smoked sausage until it's browned and slightly crispy. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened. These vegetables will soak up all the delicious flavors left behind by the sausage, creating a rich base for the dish.

Next, stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning, letting them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices, intensifying their flavor.

Add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring it well to coat it in the seasonings. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let the rice cook until tender, about 15-18 minutes.

Once the rice is fully cooked, return the sausage to the skillet and add the shrimp. Stir everything together and let the shrimp cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot. The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this Shrimp Dirty Rice stores beautifully!

To store in the refrigerator, place any leftover rice in an airtight container and keep it for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary preferences.

For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or swap it for a Creole blend, which is slightly less spicy.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or okra for extra texture and flavor.

If you prefer a different protein, try using chicken, ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings as needed.

Looking to make it extra smoky? Add a bit of smoked paprika or swap the smoked sausage for andouille for a deeper, bolder taste.

No chicken broth on hand? You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube as a substitute.

Experiment with these variations and make the dish your own. However you choose to enjoy it, this Shrimp Dirty Rice is guaranteed to bring bold flavors to your table!