This Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is a one-pan meal that’s full of flavors! Juicy shrimp mingle with seasoned rice, bell peppers, and spices for a tasty dish that’s easy to whip up.
You’ll love how everything cooks together so well – it’s like a little flavor party in one pan! Perfect for busy days when you want something quick but delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this dish as they hold up well during cooking. If you’re allergic or don’t eat seafood, diced chicken or firm tofu can make a great substitute.
Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning mix brings the heat! If you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder works just fine. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect here for fluffy results. If you want a heartier option, brown rice works but will need a longer cooking time and more liquid. Quinoa can also be a healthy alternative.
Bacon: While optional, bacon adds depth with its smokiness. For a vegetarian version, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor.
Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option. Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought works well too!
How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly In This Skillet?
Cooking rice might seem tricky, but it’s straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here’s how to do it so it turns out perfectly every time:
- First, make sure you wash your rice to remove excess starch. This prevents it from being too sticky.
- After adding the rice to the skillet, stir it with the vegetables for about 1-2 minutes to let it absorb flavors.
- Add the broth and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Timing is key! Make sure to check the package instructions for exact cooking time.
- Once it’s done, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This helps keep your dish from being mushy!
Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 3 slices bacon, chopped (optional, adds smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
Start by seasoning the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Set them aside to absorb the flavors while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Make sure to leave the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if necessary, then toss in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
4. Add Garlic and Rice:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, add the uncooked rice and diced tomatoes, mixing everything together for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice with the flavors.
5. Combine the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. After it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the rice should be tender and the liquid should be absorbed.
6. Cook the Shrimp:
While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be cautious not to overcook them!
7. Finish the Rice:
Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the crispy bacon for that added smoky flavor.
8. Combine and Serve:
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. If you’d like, save a few shrimp to use as a garnish. Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before seasoning to keep the dish from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare this dish ahead of time! The shrimp and rice can be cooked in advance and stored separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them together on the stovetop until warmed through.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make It Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or include some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for extra spice!
