Craving something bold, hearty, and ready to spice up your dinner table? Let me introduce you to Dirty Rice with Shrimp—a flavorful Southern dish that marries smoky ground meat, tender shrimp, and seasoned rice into one satisfying skillet. My first bite of dirty rice came from a friend’s Cajun family recipe—full of soul and spice—but I couldn’t resist giving it a shrimp twist. The result? A rich, colorful, and protein-packed meal that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why Dirty Rice with Shrimp should be your next go-to dinner:
- One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan (plus your rice pot), making cleanup a breeze.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Spices like cayenne, cumin, and paprika layer up for the perfect Cajun-inspired bite.
- Protein-Packed: With both shrimp and ground beef or sausage, it’s hearty and filling.
- Colorful & Customizable: Orange and green bell peppers brighten it up visually and flavor-wise—and you can tweak it easily to suit your taste.
A Bite of History: Fun Facts About Dirty Rice with Shrimp
This dish might sound casual, but its roots go deep:
- A Louisiana Original: Dirty rice started as a humble, flavorful dish made by Cajun cooks to stretch meat with rice and spices.
- Why “Dirty”?: The rice gets “dirty” from the browned meat and flavorful bits cooked with it—don’t worry, it’s deliciously intentional.
- Shrimp Addition: Coastal Louisiana gave this dish a seafood makeover with shrimp, adding sweetness and texture.
- Versatility: It’s traditionally made with liver or pork, but shrimp and ground beef make it more accessible for everyday cooks.
Key Ingredients in Dirty Rice with Shrimp
Here’s what brings this soulful dish together:
- Uncooked Rice: Brown or white rice acts as the hearty base and absorbs all the bold flavor.
- Shrimp: Juicy, tender shrimp provide a seafood contrast to the meaty richness.
- Ground Beef or Sausage: Adds deep savory flavor and “dirties” the rice.
- Bell Peppers: Orange and green peppers give sweetness and color.
- Onion, Celery & Garlic: Classic Cajun aromatics that build the base of flavor.
- Cajun Spices: A mix of paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper adds depth and heat.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses the rice with subtle herbal notes.
- Scallions: A fresh, final flourish that adds brightness.
How to Make Dirty Rice with Shrimp
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dirty Rice with Shrimp
- Cook the Rice
In a pot, cook 1½ cups of brown rice according to package directions. Add 1 bay leaf, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp each of cayenne, paprika, and thyme to infuse the rice with flavor. - Sauté the Shrimp
When the rice is almost done, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for about 5 minutes until pink and firm. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, discard the shrimp liquid and add fresh oil. Toss in chopped onion, celery, garlic, and both bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. - Season and Cook the Meat
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, ½ tsp cumin, and the remaining paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Cook until browned and fully done, about 10–15 minutes. - Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked rice and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine the flavors, then cover and cook for 2–3 minutes more on low heat. - Finish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped scallions for a fresh, oniony finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Dirty Rice with Shrimp Tips and Twists
- Use brown rice for extra nutrition and a hearty texture.
- Don’t skip the bay leaf—it adds a lovely, subtle aroma.
- Cook the shrimp just right to avoid rubbery texture.
- Prep ahead by chopping your veggies in advance.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—Cajun spice levels vary!
Try These Twists:
- Swap ground beef for spicy Italian sausage.
- Use white rice for a quicker cook time.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or lemon juice for zing.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Make-Ahead: Cook the rice and prep the shrimp/veggies ahead of time. Combine and heat just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Dirty Rice with Shrimp
This dish shines on its own, but here’s how you can round it out:
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies balance the richness of the dish.
- Simple Avocado Toast with Egg: A mellow side that works surprisingly well with the heat.
- Refreshing Peach Lemonade: A chilled, sweet drink to cool down the spice.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Great for scooping up every flavorful bite.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Adds a cool, crisp crunch alongside the warm rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Yes—just reduce the cook time accordingly.
Is this spicy?
It has a kick, but you can reduce cayenne or use mild paprika to tone it down.
What’s the best shrimp size?
Medium works well—they cook quickly and blend perfectly into the rice.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end to prevent overcooking.
Can this be made dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely—just check your spices and broth for hidden gluten.
Enjoy Your Dirty Rice with Shrimp
This spicy and savory Dirty Rice with Shrimp brings Southern charm straight to your table—with bold flavors, tender shrimp, and colorful veggies in every forkful. It’s easy enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or already a fan, this dish is a delicious way to shake up your dinner routine. So grab your skillet and let’s make dinner unforgettable!
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Round out your Dirty Rice with these flavorful dishes from Abby’s Recipes:
- Want more shrimp? Try our Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa—a bright, zesty complement to your Cajun main.
- Craving something creamy? Our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is rich and comforting.
- Balance your plate with a Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese.
- End the meal sweetly with Strawberry Icebox Pie—cool and refreshing after a spicy entrée.
- Love bold seasoning? Try our Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce drizzled over your rice next time for an extra punch.
Dirty Rice with Shrimp – Bold, Spicy & One-Pan Easy
Ingredients
- 1½ cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ⅛ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp thyme
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil for shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil for veggies
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or pork sausage
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 scallions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook brown rice with bay leaf, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp each of cayenne, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 5 minutes until pink. Set aside.
- Discard excess shrimp liquid. Add 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and bell peppers for 5 minutes.
- Season veggies with salt, pepper, cumin, remaining cayenne, paprika, and thyme.
- Add ground beef or sausage. Cook for 10–15 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked rice and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to combine well.
- Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes on low to blend flavors.
- Garnish with scallions and serve warm
Notes
Variation: Try sausage instead of beef or add diced tomatoes for a saucier twist on dirty rice with shrimp. Nutrition:
Calories: 470 per serving (estimated)
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Sugar: 4g