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Delicious Cajun shrimp dirty rice skillet topped with herbs and spices

Ultimate Cajun Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet

A one-pan wonder featuring Cajun flavors, juicy shrimp, and hearty rice for a quick, delicious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Meat and Seafood
  • 450 grams ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 450 grams ground pork sausage Spicy sausage adds more flavor.
  • 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp can be used.
Rice and Broth
  • 4 cups cooked white rice Cook rice ahead to save time.
  • 480 milliliters chicken broth Can substitute with water and sauces for flavor.
Vegetables
  • 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, finely chopped Choice of colors adds visual appeal.
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic Fresh garlic preferred for the best taste.
Seasonings
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided Use higher smoke point oil.
  • 1/4 cup plain flour For making a roux.
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning Cajun seasoning works well.
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper For added heat.

Method
 

Cooking the Meats
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break them into crumbles.
Adding Vegetables
  1. Add the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Making the Roux
  1. Push the meat and veggies to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the cleared space and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously until the flour turns a light golden, creating a quick roux for depth.
Toasting Spices
  1. Stir in the seafood seasoning, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Allow the spices to toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmering
  1. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the roux. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
Cooking Shrimp
  1. Nestle the shrimp into the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
Final Mixing
  1. Stir everything together until well-coated with the sauce and heated through, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt or cayenne as needed before serving.

Notes

Serve with a squeeze of lemon or a side salad. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 1-2 months.