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To make Cajun Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Sausage, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced - 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you can't find andouille sausage, you can use kielbasa or chorizo. For shrimp, you can swap it with chicken if you prefer. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bell pepper; any color will do, or you can skip it altogether. When picking your shrimp, look for ones that smell fresh and have a firm texture. The shells should be clean and shiny. For the sausage, choose one that feels firm and has a bright color. Fresh vegetables should be crisp. Check for any soft spots or discoloration. When buying rice, long-grain is key for the best texture. Always check the expiration date to make sure it’s fresh. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the long-grain rice under cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear. This step removes extra starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. Next, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add in the rinsed rice. Lower the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. The rice should be tender and absorb the broth completely. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 pound of sliced andouille sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it gets a nice brown color. Next, toss in 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook these for another 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to let the flavors mix well. Now, add 1/2 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once your rice is ready, fluff it with a fork. Then, add the rice to the skillet with the sausage and shrimp. Stir everything to mix well and heat it through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious Cajun dirty rice! To make your dirty rice truly Cajun, use bold spices. Cajun seasoning is key. It usually has paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. You can find it at most stores. Feel free to add more or less based on your taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some extra cayenne. Fresh herbs can also boost flavor. Try adding thyme or bay leaves while cooking. For perfect rice, rinse it well. This removes extra starch and keeps it fluffy. Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Cook it in chicken broth for added flavor. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. This step helps separate the grains. Letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking also improves texture. Garnishes make your dish pop. Green onions add a nice crunch and color. Chopped parsley brings a fresh taste. You can sprinkle these on top right before serving. For extra flair, serve with lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. This adds a nice touch to your Cajun dirty rice. Pro Tips Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like it spicy. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions not only add color but also enhance the flavors of the dish. {{image_2}} You can make dirty rice without meat. Use mushrooms instead of sausage. They add great flavor. For shrimp, try using tofu or tempeh. Both soak up spices well. Add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-based. If you want a different protein, chicken works great. Use diced chicken breast or thighs. Cook them until brown, then add veggies. Crawfish is another fun choice. Toss in cooked crawfish when you add the shrimp. It brings a unique Cajun taste. Both options give the dish a new twist. To spice things up, add hot sauce while cooking. This gives a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Chopped thyme or bay leaves add depth. Consider topping your dish with fresh cilantro for a fresh taste. These simple changes enhance the flavors and make each bite exciting. After enjoying your Cajun dirty rice, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you have more than one serving, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat later. To reheat, use the microwave or stove. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stove, add the rice to a skillet. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a little broth or water if it seems dry. You can freeze Cajun dirty rice too. Place cooled rice in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the methods above. This way, you can enjoy that tasty dish anytime! Cooking Cajun Dirty Rice takes about 40 minutes. This includes 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. You start by rinsing the rice. Then, cook the rice in chicken broth for about 18-20 minutes. While the rice cooks, prepare the sausage, shrimp, and veggies. Yes, you can make Cajun Dirty Rice ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. This makes it easy for meal prep. You can simply reheat it when you are ready to eat. The best way to reheat Cajun Dirty Rice is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir it often until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you prefer. Just cover it to keep the moisture in. This blog post covered how to make tasty Cajun Dirty Rice. We explored the important ingredients and helpful substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and combine the rice with sausage and shrimp. We discussed tips for perfect cooking and even ways to adapt the dish. Lastly, we looked at storage and reheating methods. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Cajun Dirty Rice is fun and brings so much flavor to your table.

Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Dirty Rice

A flavorful dish combining shrimp, sausage, and rice with Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 0.5 pound andouille sausage, sliced
  • 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 whole green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned.
  • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sausage and shrimp mixture. Stir well to combine and heat through.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
Keyword Cajun, dirty rice, rice, sausage, shrimp