Description
This Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp and Sausage is a quick, smoky, and satisfying dish packed with bold flavors. Combining tender shrimp, flavorful sausage, crispy turkey bacon, and traditional Cajun seasoning, this recipe delivers a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Proteins
- 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 links beef sausage, sliced
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- ½ cup chicken ham, diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the edges start to turn golden. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Add the sliced beef sausage to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Combine Meat and Rice: Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the cooked rice and toss everything evenly to coat with the spices and vegetables.
- Cook Shrimp: Push the rice mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque.
- Fold Shrimp into Rice: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the rice mixture. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- To make this dish spicier, increase the cayenne pepper according to taste.
- For a smoky flavor boost, use smoked sausage and smoked turkey bacon as suggested.
- Make sure to toast the rice before cooking to add depth of flavor.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Serve with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
