Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a spicy Cajun butter sauce served over perfectly cooked long grain white rice. Infused with aromatic spices and a hint of garlic, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 1/3 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 2/3 cups chicken broth
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or substitute Italian herb blend or Herbs de Provence)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook Rice Base: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, half of the prepared Cajun seasoning, and the uncooked rice. Stir well to coat the rice with seasoning and butter.
- Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally 1-2 times to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the rice cooks, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this spicy butter mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook Shrimp with Rice: Once the rice has cooked, stir the seasoned shrimp into the skillet with rice. Cover again and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or vegetarian option (remove shrimp for vegan).
- For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
- Shrimp cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish to add brightness to the dish.
- Can substitute long grain white rice with jasmine or basmati rice for different aroma and texture.
