Here’s a detailed, flavorful recipe for Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice — a classic Louisiana-inspired dish packed with savory sausage, tender shrimp, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice. Perfect as a hearty main or a flavorful side!
🍚 Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 lb Andouille sausage or smoked sausage, diced
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix all spices together and store in a jar for use.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Sausage and Veggies
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add diced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and green onions, cook another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until just pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside with sausage.
Step 4: Combine and Season
- Reduce heat to medium. Add cooked rice to the skillet with the veggies.
- Stir in sausage and shrimp.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to blend and rice to get a bit crispy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with hot sauce on the side if desired.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main dish with a simple green salad or steamed veggies.
- Pair with grilled or blackened fish, fried catfish, or your favorite Cajun main courses.
- Add a side of cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
If you’d like, I can also help with a slow cooker version or make it spicier or milder—just let me know!