Shrimp Dirty Rice
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a delicious dinner with a great combination of flavorful shrimp and smoky sausage. Served with red and green bell pepper and robust spice mixture over fluffy rice, this easy weeknight dinner is one the entire family will love.
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Shrimp Dirty Rice is great for busy weeknights because it takes about 30 minutes to make, and it is so hearty that you do not necessarily need a side dish to go with it.
This rice recipe has tons of flavor in every bite. The shrimp and sausage combine with the spices perfectly, providing a warm and mildly spicy taste.
The Shrimp Dirty Rice ingredients are very customizable as well. If you love spicy shrimp recipes, you may opt to add cajun seasoning or mix in some hot sauce to really ramp up the heat.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Bold Flavor Combination: The savory smoked sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet, bell pepper medley and garlic, while the shrimp adds a light, delicate touch.
Comforting and Hearty: Dirty rice is a classic comfort dish. With its rich, spiced rice and protein-packed ingredients, it’s both filling and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal.
Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of about 20 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder taste, the recipe lets you adjust the spices and sausage if desired.
Great for Leftovers: This dish not only tastes amazing when freshly made but also stores well for a few days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Ingredients to Make Shrimp Dirty Rice:
- smoked sausage. Provides a deep, smoky flavor; you can swap with andouille or kielbasa.
- onion, pepper and garlic. These aromatics build a flavorful base—onions provide subtle sweetness, peppers add color and crunch, and garlic infuses robust flavor.
- long grain rice. Known for its light, fluffy texture, it effectively soaks up the chicken broth and spices, creating a well-integrated dish.
- chicken broth. Infuses rich, savory depth; use homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth works as an alternative.
- seasonings. A balanced mix of paprika, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper delivers warmth, mild heat, and an earthy kick.
- shrimp. Added at the end to ensure they stay tender and juicy without overcooking. Fresh or frozen will work.
How to Make Shrimp Dirty Rice:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned.
- Add the diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is done, stir in the shrimp. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Sausage Flexibility: While smoked sausage delivers a rich, smoky flavor, feel free to experiment with alternatives like andouille sausage or kielbasa sausage for a unique twist.
- Aromatic Base: Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic creates a flavorful foundation—ensure they’re softened to bring out their sweetness and aroma.
- Rice Selection: Long grain rice is ideal for absorbing flavors while remaining light and fluffy; if you use jasmine or basmati, adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
- Broth Boost: Chicken broth enriches the dish with savory depth; a high-quality vegetable broth can be a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Seasoning Balance: The combination of paprika, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper provides warmth and a mild kick—feel free to tweak these spices to suit your taste.
- Shrimp Timing: Add the shrimp at the end of cooking to maintain their tender, juicy texture and avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Roasted Carrots and Zucchini
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to a month. Note that the shrimp may lose a bit of texture after freezing.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to help maintain moisture.
FAQs:
Yes! Frozen shrimp work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the dish. You can also buy pre-cooked shrimp if you want to speed up the process; just add them in towards the end to heat through.
Yes! If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth, seafood stock, or even water (though broth will give it more flavor).
Yes! You can skip the sausage if you’d like a lighter version, or substitute with another protein like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
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Shrimp Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- 1 cup red pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned.
- Add the diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is done, stir in the shrimp. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Sausage Flexibility: While smoked sausage delivers a rich, smoky flavor, feel free to experiment with alternatives like andouille or kielbasa for a unique twist.
- Aromatic Base: Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic creates a flavorful foundation—ensure they’re softened to bring out their sweetness and aroma.
- Rice Selection: Long grain rice is ideal for absorbing flavors while remaining light and fluffy; if you use jasmine or basmati, adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
- Broth Boost: Chicken broth enriches the dish with savory depth; a high-quality vegetable broth can be a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Seasoning Balance: The combination of paprika, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper provides warmth and a mild kick—feel free to tweak these spices to suit your taste.
- Shrimp Timing: Add the shrimp at the end of cooking to maintain their tender, juicy texture and avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: ~450
Total Fat: ~20g
Cholesterol: ~150mg
Sodium: ~800mg
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~30g
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