Cajun Shrimp Rice Recipe – A Spicy & Flavorful One-Pot Meal
If you love bold flavors and quick meals, this Cajun shrimp rice recipe is about to become your new favorite. Inspired by Southern and Creole cuisine, this dish combines juicy shrimp, aromatic vegetables, Cajun spices, and fluffy rice into one irresistible skillet meal. It’s spicy, smoky, and satisfying — perfect for busy weeknights or even special gatherings.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it as a complete dinner, a side dish, or even meal prep for the week. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish proves that Cajun food is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the shrimp – In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp – Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and garlic, cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables – In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add spices & rice – Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne, and uncooked rice. Toast rice for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Simmer – Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine – Once rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Finish & serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges for a zesty kick.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Extra Veggies: Add corn, peas, or diced tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu.
- One-Pot Method: Cook everything in one pot for less cleanup.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free (just ensure Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain additives).
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce broth to ½ cup.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and homemade Cajun seasoning.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the butter or use vegan butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun shrimp rice recipe is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A side salad for freshness
- Garlic bread or cornbread for extra comfort
- A drizzle of hot sauce for spice lovers
It’s a wholesome, filling, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings restaurant-quality Cajun flavor right to your kitchen.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Q2: What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine) works best for fluffy texture. Avoid sticky rice.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce Cajun seasoning or skip cayenne pepper. You can also add a dollop of sour cream when serving.
Q5: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pot and adjust liquid accordingly.
