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
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw the shrimp first to ensure they cook evenly.
Stored in an airtight container, this dish will last up to three days in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to two months, though the rice texture may change slightly.
Definitely! For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Shrimp Dirty Rice pairs well with a fresh side salad, roasted veggies, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
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
PrintShrimp Dirty Rice
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a hearty Southern classic that combines savory ground meats, seasoned shrimp, and aromatic vegetables with rice for a deliciously comforting, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish brings the warmth and spice of the South right to your table.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger meat
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 10–12 shrimp, tail off and deveined
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broth (we recommend Better Than Bouillon chicken broth)
- 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 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 pepper, more to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with seafood seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they form a nice “C” shape. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Brown the meat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Once the meat is nicely browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, usually 3-4 minutes. Add in the seasonings: oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Incorporate Flour and Broth: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth, continuing to stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Combine with Rice and Shrimp: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to ensure the rice is well coated with the seasoned mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Shrimp Dirty Rice hot, garnished with green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Fresh, tail-off, and deveined shrimp work best. The shrimp should have a firm, slightly translucent appearance before cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook—they only need a few minutes on each side. Overcooking can make them tough.
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste. Add a bit more cayenne if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Pre-cooked Rice: Using day-old rice gives a better texture since it’s less sticky, which is ideal for this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Southern shrimp rice recipe, Cajun dirty rice with shrimp, Dirty rice with sausage and shrimp