Delight your taste buds with this quick and flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices for a meal that's both easy and impressive. Learn how to customize it to suit your cravings and gather simple tips for perfect results every time.
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)
![To make a great Cajun shrimp and rice skillet, you need the following ingredients: - 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) You can enhance the dish with some optional ingredients. Try adding: - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness - Chopped tomatoes for extra moisture - A splash of hot sauce for heat - Cooked sausage or chicken for extra protein - Diced celery for crunch If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. - Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. - Use brown rice for more fiber, but adjust cooking time. - Swap shrimp for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based meal. - Use a salt-free Cajun seasoning to reduce sodium. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and tasty. To see the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smooth and easy. You will need shrimp, rice, broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and spices. Having everything ready saves time and stress. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. They should soften but not brown. 3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. 4. Add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. 5. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Mix it well with the other ingredients. Let it toast for about 1 minute. 6. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. 7. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is gone. 8. In the last 5 minutes, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas to heat through. 9. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This helps everything blend. 10. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving. - Use long-grain rice for the best texture. It cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. - Avoid stirring too much once you add the broth. This helps the rice cook without becoming mushy. - Check the shrimp for doneness. They should be pink and opaque when ready. - Let the skillet sit covered after cooking. This step allows the steam to finish the cooking process. - Taste before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed to suit your taste. To make your Cajun shrimp and rice skillet pop, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp gives the best taste. Try to buy shrimp that smells like the ocean. Fresh herbs also boost flavor. Use parsley and green onions for a fresh touch. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. It balances the spices well. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They cook fast and can turn rubbery. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. Don't skip toasting the rice. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. Also, make sure to measure your broth. Too much liquid can make the rice mushy. Follow the cooking times closely to ensure the best results. Prep your ingredients before cooking. Dice the onion and pepper ahead of time. This makes cooking smoother. You can use frozen shrimp to save time. Just thaw them before cooking. If you're short on time, use a rice cooker. This lets you focus on the shrimp while the rice cooks. For a quick meal, have everything ready and follow the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of shrimp, use mushrooms or firm tofu. They soak up flavors well. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use the same spices and cook time. This way, you keep the Cajun taste without meat. You still get a hearty meal. If you want to change the protein, try chicken or sausage. Chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy. Slice it thin and add it with the veggies. For sausage, use andouille for a smoky taste. Cook it in the skillet before adding the rice. Both options bring a new twist to your dish. You can adjust the spice level to your taste. For mild, cut back on Cajun seasoning. You can add a touch of lemon juice to brighten flavors. If you like heat, add more seasoning or some cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can really boost the heat. This lets you customize each meal to your liking. Explore your taste buds with these variations! After enjoying your Cajun shrimp and rice skillet, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps your meal fresh and tasty. Remember, the shrimp and rice absorb flavors over time, making it even better! To freeze your Cajun shrimp and rice skillet, cool it completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just label the container with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet for even heating. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps your dish moist and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above! If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own mix. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can adjust the heat with cayenne pepper or chili powder. This mix gives a similar taste to Cajun seasoning. You can also use Creole seasoning if you have it. It adds a nice flavor with herbs. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and rice as directed, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. This makes for a quick meal later. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free broth. Many brands offer gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth. Always check labels to be sure. The rice itself is gluten-free, so you’re good there. Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet without worry! You now have a simple guide to make Cajun shrimp and rice skillet. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. I shared ways to adapt for different diets and save time. Remember that a few mistakes can change your dish. Use these tips to elevate your meal. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f939d10c-5243-40e2-8925-564928d6caa9-250x250.webp)