Shrimp Dirty Rice: A Flavor-Packed Southern Classic

Hi I'm Emma

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on

When you think of hearty and flavorful comfort food, Shrimp Dirty Rice probably comes to mind. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, combining bold spices, tender meats, and perfectly cooked rice to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Dirty Rice

Shrimp dirty rice is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of flavor. Every bite bursts with the savory richness of ground meat, the sweetness of shrimp, and the spicy kick of Southern seasoning. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to prepare, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. If you love bold, satisfying meals, this one is a must-try.

Ingredients for Shrimp Dirty Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic recipe:

IngredientAmount
Hamburger meat1 lb
Ground pork sausage1 lb
Shrimp (tail-off, deveined)10–12
Cooked rice4 cups
Broth (Better Than Bouillon chicken recommended)2 cups
Mixed onions and bell peppers (chopped)1.5 cups
Vegetable oil3 tbsp (divided)
Seafood seasoning1 tsp
Flour¼ cup
Oregano1 tbsp
Minced garlic3 tsp
Thyme1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tbsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Chili powder1 tsp
Black pepper½ tsp (more to taste)
Salt½ tsp (more to taste)
Cayenne pepperPinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Shrimp

  1. Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in seafood seasoning to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

2. Brown the Meats

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Meat: Add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage to the skillet, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Cook until the meat begins to brown, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Add the Vegetables

  1. Incorporate Onions and Peppers: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat.
  2. Cook Until Tender: Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables are softened and the meat is fully browned.

4. Add the Seasonings

  • Stir in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. This step infuses the dish with its signature bold flavors.

5. Make the Roux

  1. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  2. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

6. Add the Rice

  • Stir the cooked rice into the skillet. Mix well to ensure the rice absorbs the flavorful broth and seasonings. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine all the ingredients.

7. Return the Shrimp

  • Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dish. Heat everything through for 2–3 minutes.

8. Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish the shrimp dirty rice with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, savory taste of this Southern classic.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Dirty Rice

1. Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh or thawed shrimp work best in this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, which can affect the texture of your dish.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

Love a spicier dish? Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Reduce the chili powder and cayenne.

4. Use Day-Old Rice

Day-old rice absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings better than freshly cooked rice, making it the ideal choice for this dish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 6):

NutrientAmount
Calories420
Protein28g
Fat18g
Carbohydrates30g
Fiber2g
Sodium750mg

Creative Variations

1. Chicken Dirty Rice

Swap the ground beef and sausage for diced or shredded chicken for a lighter twist.

2. Vegetarian Option

Replace the meats with mushrooms, black beans, or lentils for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Add More Veggies

Incorporate celery, diced tomatoes, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.

4. Spicy Creole Dirty Rice

Add a splash of Creole seasoning or hot sauce for a zesty kick.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing

Shrimp dirty rice freezes well. Divide it into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Reheating

Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. What is dirty rice?

Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana dish made with rice, ground meat, vegetables, and bold seasonings. The “dirty” name comes from the color the rice takes on after being mixed with the browned meat and spices.

2. Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage links (crumbled) work well as substitutes.

3. Do I have to use shrimp?

No, shrimp is optional. You can make a delicious dirty rice dish with just ground meats if preferred.

4. What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is traditional, but you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice. Adjust cooking times as needed.

5. How can I make this dish healthier?

Use leaner meats, reduce the oil, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

6. What can I serve with shrimp dirty rice?

Pair it with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Shrimp dirty rice is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Southern comfort to your table. With its perfect combination of meats, shrimp, rice, and bold seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Shrimp Dirty Rice: A Flavor-Packed Southern Classic


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the best of Southern comfort food to your table? Shrimp Dirty Rice is the answer! This dish combines savory ground meat, tender shrimp, and bold spices, all cooked together with perfectly cooked rice to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb hamburger meat
  • 1 lb ground pork sausage
  • 1012 shrimp (tail-off, deveined)
  • 4 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups broth (Better Than Bouillon chicken recommended)
  • 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
  • 1 tsp seafood seasoning
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper (more to taste)
  • ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Season and Cook the Shrimp
    • Toss shrimp in seafood seasoning.
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside.
  • Brown the Meats
    • In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add hamburger meat and ground pork sausage, breaking apart as it cooks. Brown for 5–7 minutes.
  • Add the Vegetables
    • Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, cooking until vegetables are tender and the meat is fully browned.
  • Add the Seasonings
    • Stir in oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Mix to combine.
  • Make the Roux
    • Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetable mixture and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the broth while stirring. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  • Add the Rice
    • Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well to absorb the flavorful broth and seasonings. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Return the Shrimp
    • Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Heat everything through for 2–3 minutes.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for a truly satisfying Southern meal.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp work best, and ensure they are patted dry before cooking.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Watch the shrimp closely while cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat, or reduce chili powder for a milder flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star