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Shrimp Dirty Rice

Shrimp 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Elina
  • 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