Name: Shrimp Dirty Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked) 2 cups chicken broth 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Bring bold Southern flavor to your table with this easy, hearty Shrimp Dirty Rice. Packed with juicy shrimp, Cajun spices, and a medley of sautéed veggies, this dish is a one-pan wonder that delivers comfort and spice in every forkful. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something filling yet exciting, or a vibrant dish to wow guests without breaking a sweat.

Dirty rice traditionally gets its name from the way it looks—”dirty” from the browned meats and deeply seasoned rice. This shrimp version lightens things up a bit while still delivering the classic depth of flavor, thanks to aromatic vegetables and bold seasoning. It’s deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to adapt with what you have in your pantry.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long grain white rice works best here because it remains fluffy and doesn’t clump up as it absorbs all the flavorful broth. If you want a nuttier taste and chewier texture, brown rice is also a great alternative—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Leftover cooked rice? Even better. This recipe is perfect for repurposing cold rice into something brand new.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Dirty Rice

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How To Make the Shrimp Dirty Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Rice

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne. Stir in the uncooked rice and toss everything to coat evenly with the oil and spices.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 18–20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Once the rice is done, gently fold in the shrimp. Cover again and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and top with freshly sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Shrimp Dirty Rice

This dish is best served straight from the skillet while hot, with a sprinkle of green onion or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For a fuller meal, pair it with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.

To store leftovers, let the rice cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning and optional cayenne. Adjust to your taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Just store it properly and reheat with a little broth to revive the texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if your Cajun seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute the shrimp?

Absolutely! Try chicken, sausage, or keep it vegetarian with beans or mushrooms.

Want More Southern-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Shrimp Dirty Rice, you’ll want to check out these other satisfying meals:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

If you gave it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you add extra spice or throw in sausage? I love hearing your creative spins. Got questions? Leave a comment and let’s cook smarter together.

For more daily recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Shrimp Dirty Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Shrimp Dirty Rice is a Southern-inspired one-pan meal loaded with shrimp, Cajun spices, and flavorful veggies. It’s hearty, quick to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

2. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne. Stir in the uncooked rice and toss everything to coat evenly with the oil and spices.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 18–20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

4. Once the rice is done, gently fold in the shrimp. Cover again and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

5. Fluff the rice with a fork and top with freshly sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!