Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main ingredients for this Cajun shrimp and rice skillet shine brightly. First, the shrimp adds a sweet and tender touch. You want large shrimp for this dish, as they will cook perfectly and absorb the flavors well. Next, the rice serves as the hearty base. Long-grain white rice works best here. It cooks evenly and complements the shrimp and spices. Chicken broth brings in rich flavor and moisture. It helps the rice cook to perfection. Now, let’s talk about the veggies. Diced onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers add color and crunch. They also provide a sweet and savory backdrop for the shrimp. Garlic, minced just right, brings a punch of flavor. For spices, Cajun seasoning is a must. It gives that classic kick that defines Cajun cuisine. Smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper round out the seasoning, enhancing all the flavors. Lastly, the olive oil helps the veggies sauté nicely. For garnish, green onions and fresh parsley add a pop of color and freshness. Together, these ingredients make a dish that is full of life and flavor. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about five minutes. You want them to soften and release their flavors. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for one more minute. Stir often to keep it from burning. Then, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. This step helps the spices bloom and mix well with the veggies. Now, it’s time to add the rice. Stir it into the skillet. You want to coat the rice in the oil and spices. Toast the rice for about two minutes. This gives it a nice nutty flavor. After toasting, pour in the chicken broth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. This lets the rice absorb all the broth. In the last five minutes of cooking, gently fold in the shrimp. Cover the skillet again to let the shrimp cook through. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice. This will mix all the ingredients nicely. For a vibrant finish, garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley. This adds both color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet! - Choosing the right Cajun seasoning: Look for a blend with bold flavors. A good Cajun seasoning should have garlic, onion, and paprika. Some brands may add cayenne for extra heat. Taste a bit before adding it to your dish. You want the right balance for your taste. - Adjusting spice levels to taste: If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. For milder flavors, use less. You can also add a sprinkle of sugar to balance the heat. - Best skillet for even cooking: A large, heavy-bottom skillet works best. It heats evenly and keeps the rice from sticking. Cast iron or stainless steel is a great choice. Avoid non-stick for this dish; you want some nice bits to form on the bottom. - Adjusting cooking times for different rice varieties: Long-grain white rice cooks in about 15-18 minutes. If you use brown rice, add about 10-15 minutes more. Always check the rice package for specific cooking times. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the dish right in the skillet for a rustic look. You can also transfer it to a large bowl. Top with extra parsley and green onions for color. A few lemon wedges on the side add freshness. - Pairing ideas (sides and drinks): A fresh salad pairs well with this dish. Consider a light vinaigrette. For drinks, sweet tea or a light beer works nicely. A crisp white wine could also complement the spices. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Try chicken or sausage if you want. Both options add a different flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider using beans or tofu. They work well with the spices. You can also swap some veggies for more taste. Try zucchini, corn, or even spinach. These veggies add color and nutrition. You could also use frozen vegetables. They save time and still taste great. To add more Creole flavors, consider using hot sauce. It gives your dish a nice kick. You can also add more spices like cayenne or thyme. These spices make the dish even richer. If you want to include seafood, crawfish is a great choice. Just fold them in with the shrimp. They add a nice texture and flavor. You can mix and match seafood for variety. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free broth and rice. This keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Always check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. If you want a vegan version, skip the shrimp and use a plant-based protein. Consider marinated mushrooms for a savory touch. Use vegetable broth for the rice to keep it flavorful. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps your Cajun shrimp and rice fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. I like to use glass containers because they don’t stain or hold smells. If you have a lot of leftovers, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab a meal later. For reheating, the best method is the stovetop. Place the dish in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice stay fluffy. Stir it often until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but I recommend adding a bit of liquid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid dry rice. If you want to freeze the dish, it works well. Make sure it cools completely before you put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use the stovetop or microwave, just like before. This keeps the flavors and texture just right. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place them in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. How long does it take to cook shrimp? Shrimp cook quickly. They usually take 3-5 minutes to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch closely. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and rice, then store them in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve. What is the best way to make it spicier? To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. You can also add hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste as you go. Calories and nutritional values per serving Each serving has about 400 calories. It contains protein from shrimp and carbs from rice. The veggies add vitamins and fiber. Health benefits of the ingredients used Shrimp are low in fat but high in protein. Bell peppers provide vitamin C. Garlic has health benefits too, like boosting your immune system. In this blog post, I walked you through making Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet, using fresh ingredients and simple steps. You learned how to sauté vegetables, cook rice, and add shrimp for a vibrant meal. I also shared tips for flavor and cooking techniques. Remember, you can customize this dish with your favorite proteins or veggies. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and don’t hesitate to adapt recipes to fit your taste! Bon appétit!

Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Cook up a flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet that's perfect for dinner any night of the week! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a dish that's sure to impress. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a delicious one-pan meal your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking with this tasty Cajun delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

      Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom.

        Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the aromatic mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.

          Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

            In the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the shrimp, covering the skillet again to allow the shrimp to cook through and become pink and opaque.

              Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.

                Garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve directly in the skillet for a rustic look, or transfer to a large serving dish. Sprinkle with extra parsley and green onions, and add a few lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color and freshness.