Description
Indulge in the bold, Southern-inspired flavors of Cajun shrimp with rice. This one-pot wonder combines tender, juicy shrimp with perfectly cooked rice, seasoned vegetables, and aromatic spices for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Rice:
- Salted butter (¼ cup, divided)
- Diced onion (1 cup, about one medium onion)
- Green bell pepper (1 cup, diced)
- Garlic cloves (3, minced)
- Minute rice (1 cup)
- Cajun seasoning (3 teaspoons, divided)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Raw large shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and thawed)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Toast the Rice:
- Add the rice and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the pot.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
3. Simmer the Rice:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Rest and Fluff the Rice:
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Toss the shrimp in the buttery mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the rice mixture.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Customization: Add more Cajun seasoning for a spicier dish or stir in heavy cream for a creamy variation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun