Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is the perfect way to jump-start any new season, but my favorite time to enjoy this meal is Fall. This Cajun recipe is cooked with all types of flavors. Homemade Cajun seasoning is the number one. The flavorful Cajun shrimp is seasoned and tossed in a bed of rice and peppers. This meal is so filling and can be eaten all by itself. The cleanup on this one is minimal. We shall call this the one pot meal masterpiece. Cajun shrimp and rice skillet Fall addition. Let’s get started on making this meal.

Reasons To Love Cajun Shrimp and Rice

30-Minute Meal-  I’m sure your whole family will be able to appreciate this Cajun shrimp and rice skillet that is ready to eat in under 30 minutes.

Family Friendly- The entire family will love this recipe. If it is too spicy, only use half of the cajun seasoning.

”

Ingredients to Cajun shrimp and rice

This is yet again another recipe of mine that is quick, simple, and easy. You will love the simplicity of this Cajun shrimp and rice. You probably have all of the ingredients sitting around in your pantry.

• Jumbo shrimp- The type of shrimp you use in this Cajun recipe makes a difference between having juicy shrimp and here’s why. Once you sauté shrimp, they become smaller and shrink, but the jumbo shrimp holds its shape a little better.

• Rice- I used parboiled white rice, but you can use any other kind in this rice skillet recipe.

• Onion- This easy weeknight meal isn’t whole without adding many veggies, from red pepper to green onions.

• Butter-  I used about 1 Tbsp of butter to ensure the shrimp is seared to perfection.

• Seasonings- Garlic Powder, creole seasoning, onion powder, paprika, black Pepper. Creole recipes aren’t complete until you have your Cajun seasoning blend together.

• Garlic Cloves- You can chop your garlic or use minced garlic.

• Chicken broth- Helps ensure the rice cooks flavorfully along with the deveined shrimp. I used about 2 cups of chicken broth.

How to make Cajun shrimp and rice?

As I always say, make sure to gather all of your ingredients first. By doing so, we ensure we don’t miss any important flavoring steps.

•          To a bowl, add in all your seasonings. Mix them well and sit on the side

•          Place your pot on a medium-high stove. Add in your butter. Once your butter has melted down. Add in your chopped red pepper, green pepper, and onions

•          Next, add in your rice(stir for about 2 minutes)

•          Add your Cajun seasoning to the rice and mix well

•          Pour in your chicken broth and place a top on the pan

•          Allow to simmer for 15 minutes

Final Steps To Cook Cajun shrimp and rice skillet

•          Add your shrimp to a bowl

•          Drizzle some olive oil onto your shrimp, then add your mixed seasoning generously. Rub in well.

•          Take the top off the pot and add in your shrimp.

•          Allow to simmer for 5 to 7 more minutes. Mix and enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions For Cajun shrimp and rice

The possibilities are endless when creating this Cajun shrimp and rice. You don’t always have to use shrimp. You can mix things up with other types of meat.

Meats- If you want to make your Cajun spices in this Cajun shrimp and rice recipe stand out even more, you could swap out the meat in this recipe or add more, such as andouille sausage, chicken, beef, and pork.

Leftover Rice- If you don’t want to cook rice from scratch, you should use leftover rice.

Vegetable Broth- If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, you can use vegetables.

Any of these will work. Just remember to use the same seasonings that you used when making the Cajun shrimp and rice.

Equipment

You will need a large skillet and cooking utensils to stir and cook the ingredients.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Reheat with stovetop

Place a pot on the stove on medium high. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add in your shrimp and rice. Continue stirring and mixing around the rice for about 30 seconds. Turn the stove low and place a top on the pan for  5 minutes. Your food should be nice and warm.

Common Questions

What type of shrimp to buy?

Honestly, you are welcome to use any shrimp you would like for this Cajun shrimp and rice recipe. I used extra large colossal shrimp. My shrimp didn’t come peeled and deveined so I had to do it. Shrimp can be tedious to peel and clean thoroughly.

How to devein shrimp?

You want to grab your shrimp first, then slip your thumb under the thin shell. Now, you want to begin peeling the shell off. Next, you want to go to the end of the tail and squeeze the tail, and it should come off easily.

Removing the veins

Grab a knife and cut the shrimp back slightly. Make sure you don’t cut the shrimp all the way through. Now, you will see black veins. Take the knife and clean all the veins out.

What type of rice should be used for this Cajun shrimp and rice?

I used jasmine rice for this recipe. I have also used long-grain, short-grain, and brown rice. You see where I’m going here. It doesn’t really matter what type of rice you use for this recipe. Just rinse your rice thoroughly and get to cooking.

What to serve with Cajun shrimp and rice?

This isn’t a meal that you will have to serve anything with. It’s literally the best one pot meal you can ask for. It’s tasty and quick, and the ingredients are simple. If I had to say there is anything I would serve this Cajun shrimp and rice with, it would be my Cajun butter sauce. Just drizzle a bit of that over the top. That’s it.

How to store one skillet of Cajun shrimp and rice?

If you find yourself having more of this delicious recipe, then we will need to store it. You can store this recipe in an air-tight food storage container.  When it comes to freshness, I would only allow that meal to cool out in the fridge for a couple of days. After that, I would question the freshness of things.

How to reheat Cajun Shrimp and rice?

Have a microwave on hand? If so, you are good to go. Just pop this Cajun shrimp and rice in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and enjoy.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, this Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is the best part of easy weeknight dinners. With its flavorful Cajun food and simple ingredients, it is the perfect addition to your dinner table. Today’s recipe is a delicious rice dish with hot sauce for an extra kick. Not only is it a complete meal on its own, but it is also cooked in a single skillet, making it convenient and easy to clean up. Enjoy the taste of Cajun cuisine with this satisfying and hassle-free dish.

Well, until next time, folks.

Loved this recipe? Check out my one-pot chicken and rice.

Well, until next time, folks.