Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful and quick one-pan meal combining tender, seasoned shrimp with perfectly cooked rice. Infused with a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, this dish brings a spicy, aromatic touch to weeknight dinners and is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an easy and satisfying choice for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 ⅓ cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 ⅔ cups chicken broth
Shrimp and Butter
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (may substitute Italian herb blend or Herbs de Provence)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: Whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl until fully combined to form the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Cook Rice: In a large skillet, stir the uncooked long grain white rice with chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the rice is cooking, toss the peeled and de-veined shrimp in the remaining melted butter along with the minced garlic and prepared Cajun seasoning until evenly coated, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Rice: Once the rice has cooked for 15 minutes, stir the seasoned shrimp into the skillet with the rice. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh parsley as garnish to add color and freshness to the dish.
- This recipe cooks entirely on the stovetop, making it easy for quick meal prep.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
