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Ultimate Cajun Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet

A flavor-packed, one-pan meal that combines shrimp, ground meats, and a zesty blend of spices for a delightful Cajun experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Meats and Seafood
  • 450 grams ground beef
  • 450 grams ground pork sausage
  • 12 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
Rice and Liquids
  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • 480 milliliters chicken broth
Vegetables
  • 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, finely chopped
Oils and Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break them into crumbles.
  2. Add the finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Push the meat and veggies to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the cleared space and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously until the flour turns a light golden, creating a quick roux for depth.
  2. Stir in the seafood seasoning, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Allow the spices to toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the roux. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Nestle the shrimp into the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid rubbery shrimp!
  5. Stir everything together until well-coated with the sauce and heated through, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt or cayenne as needed before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit dry. Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to match your spice tolerance.