This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and spices come together perfectly in this colorful dish.
It’s like a party in your skillet! I love how easy it is to whip up—just toss everything together and let it cook. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and quick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal, as they stay juicy while cooking. If you’re allergic or need a substitution, try using chicken or firm tofu instead. Just remember to cook them thoroughly!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this dish. If you have brown rice, that’s fine too, but adjust cooking time since it takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another healthy substitute if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Bacon: I love the smokiness bacon adds, but you can replace it with turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a lighter dish. Smoked paprika can help replicate that flavor if you skip the bacon.
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own! Mix equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for that kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice properly is key for this dish to shine. Follow these simple steps to avoid undercooked or mushy rice:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent stickiness.
- When you add the chicken broth, make sure to cover the skillet tightly. This traps steam for even cooking.
- After bringing it to a boil, reduce the heat to low and keep it covered. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as it releases steam!
- Once the timer is up, let it sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat before fluffing it with a fork.
Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meal ahead!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep (like chopping and rinsing) and around 15-20 minutes for cooking everything in the skillet. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Make sure to leave the tasty bacon drippings in the skillet—this adds awesome flavor!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice:
Stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast lightly with the veggies for 1-2 minutes, which brings out the flavor. This is a great step that adds to the dish!
5. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine.
6. Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Try not to lift the lid during this time!
7. Combine Everything:
Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the shrimp and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Heat everything through for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet!
Dig in and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning. Combine equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other colorful veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the rice and broth.
