Description
Spicy Louisiana shrimp dirty rice combines bold Cajun flavors with hearty rice and succulent seafood. Home cooks can savor this classic Southern comfort dish that delivers robust taste in each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound hamburger meat
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 10–12 shrimp, tail off and deveined
Grains and Liquids:
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by coating them with a blend of zesty seafood seasoning for enhanced flavor.
- Sizzle the shrimp in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they form a distinct ‘C’ shape. Transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, brown the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Introduce finely chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic to the meat mixture, continuing to cook until the proteins are thoroughly browned.
- Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by incorporating a robust blend of oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper.
- Dust the mixture with flour, creating a thickening base, then gradually introduce broth. Allow the concoction to simmer and reduce for 5-7 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
- Fold in the pre-cooked rice, letting it meld with the meat and seasonings for an additional 5 minutes.
- Reintroduce the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, gently mixing to ensure even heating and flavor integration.
- Plate the dirty rice, presenting a vibrant, aromatic dish ready to be savored.
Notes
- Seasoning Swap: Replace seafood seasoning with Cajun or Old Bay for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap ground meats with chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences without losing authentic taste.
- Heat Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to manage spice levels, ensuring the dish suits everyone’s heat tolerance from mild to wild.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator for quick assembly, making this a perfect weeknight dinner solution that saves time and reduces stress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 532
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg