Picture this: a quick escape to the bustling streets of New Orleans—right in your own kitchen! Easy Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is your ticket there.
It’s a whirlwind of flavors, an orchestra of spices playing a symphony on your taste buds. I remember the first time I whipped this up. It was a Tuesday, the kind that drags on forever, and all I wanted was something fast but special.
This dish? Oh, it delivered. The sizzle of shrimp hitting the pan, the aroma of Cajun seasoning mingling with garlic—it’s like a mini Mardi Gras for your senses.
And guess what? It’s done in about the same time it takes to scroll through Instagram. So, why not give yourself a break tonight with this vibrant, easy-to-make delight?
Your taste buds will thank you, and who knows, you might even dance a little in the kitchen.
Steps
- Mix together all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic, half of the Cajun seasoning, and uncooked rice, stirring to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the rice for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, combine the remaining melted butter with the leftover Cajun seasoning. Coat the peeled and de-veined shrimp with this mixture.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the simmering rice, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Optionally, garnish the finished dish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ? cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 ? cups chicken broth
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or substitute with an Italian herb blend or Herbs de Provence)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1812 kcal | Carbohydrates: 204 g | Protein: 116 g | Fat: 56 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 1144 mg | Sodium: 8696 mg | Potassium: 1276 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 2812 IU | Vitamin C: 72 mg | Calcium: 796 mg | Iron: 12 mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are in Cajun seasoning?
- Cajun seasoning typically includes a blend of spices such as paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- How long does it take to cook Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?
- The entire process, including preparation, takes approximately 30 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
- Can I make this dish if I don’t have a skillet?
- Yes, you can use any heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven if a skillet isn’t available.
- How can I make the shrimp browned?
- For browned shrimp, sauté them separately at the beginning, keep them warm, and then mix them into the rice just before serving.
- Is Cajun food always spicy?
- While Cajun food is known for being heavily seasoned, it isn’t always spicy, though cayenne pepper is often used for a spicy kick.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the shrimp in the pan at the beginning and set aside to keep warm until the end. This will give the shrimp a nice browned texture before mixing them into the rice.
- Make your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, salt, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano (or a substitute like Italian herbs), cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- To ensure the rice is well-cooked and flavorful, stir it occasionally during the simmering process, allowing it to absorb the chicken broth thoroughly.
- For a fresh and vibrant finish, garnish your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet with chopped parsley just before serving.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven – if you don’t already have a suitable large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking the rice and shrimp together.
- Spice jar – for storing homemade Cajun seasoning if you plan to make it in bulk.
