![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Choosing fresh shrimp is key. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea. If you can’t find large shrimp, medium shrimp work too. The Cajun seasoning really gives this dish its kick. You can buy it or make your own blend with spices like paprika, cayenne, and oregano. The type of rice matters as well. Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate, while other types may become sticky. You can make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a gluten-free option, check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. You can also swap the shrimp for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based meal. If you prefer more veggies, add zucchini, carrots, or spinach. This way, you can enjoy a colorful and healthy meal that fits your taste! For the complete preparation details, check out the Full Recipe. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process smooth. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once the skillet is hot. You want it shimmering. Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should soften and smell great. After that, mix in the minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute. Be careful not to let it brown. Gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. After that, stir in the long-grain white rice. This step helps the rice soak up all the flavors. Let it toast for one minute, stirring often. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mix to a rolling boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice needs to be tender and absorb most of the liquid. In the last 5 minutes, stir in the frozen peas. They will heat through while the rice finishes cooking. Once cooked, take the skillet off heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld. Fluff the mixture with a fork to separate the rice and distribute the shrimp and peas. For the final touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve it in bowls with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a zing. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make the best Cajun shrimp and rice, pay close attention to your rice. Use long-grain white rice for the right texture. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from getting sticky. When cooking shrimp, don't overcook it. Shrimp cooks quickly. When it turns pink and opaque, it's done. Add the shrimp last to keep it tender. Letting the dish rest after cooking allows the flavors to blend well. Want to boost flavor? Add a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This adds a nice kick. You can mix in other veggies like corn or diced tomatoes for extra taste. For a twist, try adding some diced sausage. It pairs well with the shrimp and rice. If you love spice, add more Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños. One big mistake is cooking the rice too long. It should be tender but not mushy. Also, do not skip the broth. It adds rich flavor that plain water cannot match. Watch the heat when cooking shrimp. High heat helps it cook fast, but too high can dry it out. Lastly, be careful with salt. The Cajun seasoning might already be salty enough. Always taste before adding more. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can easily add more vegetables to your Cajun shrimp and rice dish. Try adding sliced zucchini, carrots, or corn. These veggies will add color and extra nutrients. You can mix them in when you sauté the onion and bell pepper. This tweak not only boosts flavor but also makes the meal more filling. If you like heat, add more spices to your shrimp. Use cayenne pepper or hot sauce to kick it up a notch. You might also try jalapeños for a fresh spicy taste. Just add them when cooking the onions. This will ensure they blend perfectly with the other flavors. Adjust the spice level to match your taste for a fun twist. Making this dish vegetarian or vegan is simple. Just swap shrimp for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor. You can also add beans for protein and texture. This way, you keep the dish hearty and satisfying, without losing any of its Cajun flair. For the full recipe, check the section above. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure it is well sealed to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat the dish easily. For the best results, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir it often until it is hot. You can also use the microwave if you are in a hurry. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you freeze your Cajun shrimp and rice, it can last for about three months. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge for a night to thaw. Once it is defrosted, you can reheat it as described above. This way, you can enjoy a quick, flavorful meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method is quick and easy. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Using frozen shrimp saves time and still gives you great flavor. I recommend using long-grain white rice. It cooks well and stays fluffy. You can also try jasmine or basmati rice for a slight twist. These varieties absorb flavors well and create a lovely texture. Avoid short-grain rice, as it can become sticky and clump together. To make this dish gluten-free, focus on the broth. Use gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth. Most Cajun seasonings are gluten-free, but always check labels for hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy all the great flavors without worry. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To wrap up, we explored the key ingredients for Cajun shrimp and rice, detailed cooking steps, and shared helpful tips. Remember to consider substitutions for dietary needs. You can vary the dish with delicious twists or store leftovers properly. Follow the common pitfalls to ensure a tasty outcome every time. This dish is versatile and satisfying, whether you choose classic or creative options. Enjoy cooking and savoring your unique Cajun shrimp and rice creation.](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f939d10c-5243-40e2-8925-564928d6caa9-250x250.webp)
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Looking for a flavorful weeknight meal? Dive into this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet that promises deliciousness in every bite! Packed with vibrant ingredients and spices, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to please your family. Discover tips for perfect rice and shrimp, and explore exciting variations to customize it your way. Click through for the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!