Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of the South with simplicity and ease. This one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The blend of spices and fresh shrimp over rice creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Why Make This Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a fantastic choice for a busy day. It cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy. The dish is packed with flavor and offers a good balance of protein and carbs. Plus, it can be made in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those who want a tasty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Add rice and Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Serve Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet hot right from the pan. You can add extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. This dish is sure to impress your guests!
How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
- For best results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste for more or less heat.
- Adding other vegetables like corn or peas can enhance the dish.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
Variations
You can easily customize this dish by swapping shrimp for chicken or sausage. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice, but remember that the cooking time will vary.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a bit of heat, but you can control the spice level by using less or choosing a milder blend.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies like zucchini or carrots to make it even healthier.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- 1 cup rice White rice can be replaced with brown rice, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for less or more heat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Chopped parsley Add extra for freshness.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Add the rice and Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.