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For a tasty Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, gather these items: - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste You can easily swap out some ingredients if needed. - For shrimp, use chicken or sausage for a different flavor. - Swap long-grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a unique taste. - Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian option. - Use sweet bell peppers if you prefer them over green. - If you have no Cajun seasoning, blend equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. To make your dish more appealing, add garnishes. - Freshly chopped parsley brings a bright touch. - Lime wedges add a zesty kick when squeezed on top. - Sliced jalapeños give a spicy crunch. - A dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your vegetables. You need a medium onion, a green bell pepper, and a red bell pepper. Chop the onion into small pieces. Dice both bell peppers into similar-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook them for about five minutes. You want them to soften and sweeten. Add three minced garlic cloves and stir for one more minute. Next, it’s time for the rice. Add one cup of long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir it often for about two minutes. This toasts the rice and brings out its flavor. Now, pour in two cups of chicken broth. Stir in two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice will absorb most of the liquid and cook perfectly. While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp. Take one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Heat a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. After this, gently fold the sautéed shrimp and one cup of corn into the rice mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. To cook shrimp just right, you need to watch them closely. Start by heating olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. If you cook them too long, they can become rubbery. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Remember, they cook fast. If you add them too early with the rice, they may turn tough. Another mistake is not to season properly. The spices in Cajun cooking are key. Don’t be shy; taste as you go. Lastly, don’t forget to stir the rice. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. To make your Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet even more flavorful, consider adding more spices. Some great options are cayenne pepper for heat or oregano for depth. You could also try some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish nicely. Experiment and find what flavors you love most! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Rice Toasting: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid enhances its nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step for a more delicious dish. Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier! One-Pan Wonder: For easy cleanup, consider serving directly from the skillet. It makes for a beautiful presentation and keeps the dish warm. {{image_2}} You can easily turn up the heat in this dish. To make a spicy Cajun shrimp rice skillet, add extra Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the spice level. The extra heat pairs well with the sweet corn and shrimp. Feel free to get creative with veggies. You can mix in zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. These add color and nutrients to the dish. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender before adding the rice. This keeps everything balanced and flavorful. You can also use frozen veggies if you’re short on time. To make this dish vegetarian, swap shrimp for chickpeas or tofu. These options add protein and soak up flavors well. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan version. You can also add additional spices to keep the flavor rich. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal! To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can also use plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for easy access. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, reheat the Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet on the stove. Add a small splash of chicken broth or water. This helps prevent it from drying out. Heat it over medium-low heat until it's warm. Stir occasionally for even heating. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a lid to keep moisture in. If stored properly, your Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, the flavors start to fade. For longer storage, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp are a great time-saver. They still taste amazing in this dish. To amp up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. A splash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick too. Adjust the spice to match your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take away. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of crusty bread also works great. You could serve it with roasted veggies for extra nutrients. If you like, add some cornbread for a Southern touch. Enjoy your meal with friends or family for a fun dining experience! This post covered all you need to make a great Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and room for fun variations. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and improve taste. You can also learn how to store leftovers and heat them right. Remember, you can customize this dish to your liking! Enjoy making it your own and share it with friends. Happy cooking!

Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring shrimp, rice, and vibrant vegetables seasoned with Cajun spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 unit green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced green and red bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the rice to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
  • In a separate pan, quickly sauté the shrimp in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the rice is done, gently fold in the sautéed shrimp and corn until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Notes

Serve in the pan for a family-style meal or plate individual portions garnished with green onions.
Keyword Cajun, one-pan meal, rice, shrimp, skillet