A Taste of Comfort and Spice

Bringing Mardi Gras Flavors to Your Kitchen

Recall cherished memories, the joy of food, and comforting aromas. This dish solves busy weeknights or a craving for something satisfying and flavorful. Imagine a symphony of spicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies, all cooked in one pan…

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Quick & Easy Weeknight Win

You will appreciate minimal cleanup, one-pan convenience, and speed of preparation.

Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Enjoy rich, complex flavors of Cajun seasoning, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked rice.

Wholesome & Satisfying

This dish offers nutritional benefits and its comforting, hearty nature.

A Taste of the South, No Flight Required

You will feel like you are enjoying authentic Louisiana cuisine from your home.

This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet brings the vibrant flavors of the South right into your kitchen. It is a quick and easy meal that delivers a satisfying punch of spice and comfort, perfect for any weeknight.

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You should make this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet because it is incredibly easy to prepare in one pan, meaning less cleanup. It is packed with bold, delicious flavors that will awaken your taste buds. Plus, it is a hearty and wholesome meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. This recipe offers a taste of authentic Louisiana cuisine without needing to travel.

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Gathering Your Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Fresh & Flavorful Shrimp

Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely.

Aromatic Vegetables

You will need the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: celery, onions, and bell peppers.

The Heart of the Dish: Rice

Long-grain white rice works best. Use vegetable broth for cooking.

The Spice You Crave: Cajun Seasoning

You can buy store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend.

Essential Pantry Staples

Have cooking oil (like olive oil or vegetable oil), minced garlic, and fresh parsley on hand.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs almost all the liquid and becomes tender.
Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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You make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet by first sautéing your aromatic vegetables (onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic). Then, you add rice and seasonings, followed by vegetable broth, and cook it until the rice is tender. Finally, you stir in the shrimp and cook until they are perfectly pink.

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Serving Suggestions for Your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Classic Sides

Serve your skillet with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Southern Pairings

Complement the dish with cornbread or steamed greens.

Light & Fresh Additions

Add a fresh herb salad or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Serve your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet hot, directly from the skillet. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and offer lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or warm cornbread.

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Variations & Tips for Success

Make It Your Own: Protein Swaps

You can substitute shrimp with chicken sausage or plant-based protein alternatives.

Veggie Boosters

Add corn, peas, or extra bell peppers to the dish for more vegetables.

Spice It Up (or Down!)

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make it spicier or milder. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat.

Achieving Perfect Rice Texture

To get fluffy rice, make sure to simmer on low heat and do not lift the lid too often. If the rice is still a bit firm, add a little more broth and continue simmering.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp!

Shrimp cooks very quickly. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and remove it from heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque to ensure tender, not rubbery, shrimp.

Ensure your vegetables are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
Do not overstir the rice while it is simmering; this can make it mushy.
Make sure the skillet is covered tightly during simmering for the rice to cook properly.
Always add shrimp at the end and cook just until they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.

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You can easily vary this recipe. For a different protein, use sliced chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of shrimp. For more vegetables, consider adding frozen corn, peas, or diced zucchini along with the other veggies. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning.

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Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Share the Joy

This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is easy to make, delicious, and versatile. Try this recipe and share your experiences. Whip up this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet tonight and bring a little taste of Louisiana sunshine into your home!

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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.

What’s the best type of rice for a Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Long-grain white rice is best for this recipe as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy.

How can I make my Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet spicier (or milder)?

To make it spicier, add an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.

Can I prepare ingredients for this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables (onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you are ready to cook.

How long does Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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