Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Southern Classic

Shrimp Dirty Rice is an iconic Southern dish packed with savory goodness and a dash of spice. Combining seasoned shrimp, well-browned meats, and aromatic vegetables with fluffy rice, this recipe delivers a comforting, flavor-rich meal that satisfies the taste buds. In this article, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some expert tips to ensure your Shrimp Dirty Rice turns out perfectly every time.

Let’s dive into this Southern delicacy and learn how to make it at home!

What Is Dirty Rice?

Dirty rice is a popular Southern recipe known for its hearty, rich flavors and “dirty” appearance from the browned meats, spices, and seasonings. Traditionally made with ground meats and vegetables, it gets even more exciting with the addition of shrimp, which brings a delicious seafood twist to the classic dish.

This Shrimp Dirty Rice recipe maintains the essence of authentic dirty rice while adding layers of flavor through well-seasoned shrimp and a blend of spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a meal that’s:

• Full of flavor – Thanks to the seasoned shrimp, meats, and spices, every bite is packed with savory goodness.
• Perfectly balanced – With a balance of proteins, carbs, and fats, this dish is as filling as it is tasty.
• Easy to make – With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Then this Shrimp Dirty Rice is right up your alley!

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Dirty Rice

Let’s gather the ingredients to ensure everything is ready before we dive into cooking. For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

• 1 lb hamburger meat – Adds hearty flavor and richness.
• 1 lb ground pork sausage – Adds a touch of spice and depth.
• 10-12 shrimp, tail off and deveined – Shrimp adds a seafood twist to the classic recipe.
• 4 cups cooked rice – We recommend day-old rice for the best texture.
• 2 cups broth (Better Than Bouillon chicken is ideal) – Enhances the dish’s flavor.
• 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped – For an aromatic, flavorful base.
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided – Used for cooking the shrimp and meats.
• 1 tsp seafood seasoning – Seasoned shrimp make all the difference.
• 1/4 cup flour – Helps thicken the dish.
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, more to taste
• 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper – For a touch of heat

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your preferences:

• Rice: For a twist, try substituting with brown rice, which adds a nutty flavor.
• Broth: Beef or shrimp broth can add depth, but chicken broth provides a nice, subtle flavor balance.
• Spices: If you enjoy spicier food, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions for Shrimp Dirty Rice

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by seasoning your shrimp with seafood seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes or until they form a “C” shape. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.

2. Brown the Meats

Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage. Break the meats apart as they cook, browning them evenly for a rich flavor.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Once the meat is fully browned, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables soften. Add in the dried seasonings: oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the ingredients with the spices.

4. Incorporate Flour and Broth

Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the mixture and stir until it’s evenly distributed. Gradually pour in 2 cups of broth, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

5. Mix in the Rice and Shrimp

Add the cooked rice, stirring to ensure it’s well combined with the meats and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes so the rice absorbs the flavors. Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet, giving everything a good mix.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve your Shrimp Dirty Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Shrimp Dirty Rice

Making Shrimp Dirty Rice is simple, but these tips will ensure your dish turns out just right:

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Day-old rice keeps its shape better and soaks up the flavors perfectly.
• Cook the Shrimp Separately: Cooking the shrimp separately ensures they’re not overcooked and remain tender when mixed back into the rice.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste, whether it’s adding more chili powder for heat or garlic powder for depth.
• Watch the Salt: If your broth is salty, reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty dish.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Curious about the nutrition of this delicious dish? Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for Shrimp Dirty Rice per serving:

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Health Benefits of Shrimp Dirty Rice

This dish offers a mix of nutrients beneficial for health:

• High Protein: Both the shrimp and meats are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Iron: The meats contribute to your daily iron intake, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables provide vitamins A and C, while shrimp adds a good dose of B12.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a crowd-pleaser, combining the heartiness of meats with the subtle seafood flavor of shrimp. This dish is not only flavorful but also balanced, providing a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a recipe worth trying, especially if you’re a fan of Southern flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, following this recipe will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.

More Relevant Recipes

• Louisiana Dirty Rice
• Dirty Snowman Cocktail
• Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Print