Dive into Flavor with this Irresistible Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe!

Photo byNaomi Madison

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together bold ingredients, savory spices, and the satisfying combination of rice, meat, and seafood. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this recipe delivers. The dish carries a rich heritage, as "dirty rice" hails from Creole and Cajun traditions, using ingredients like ground meats, rice, and vegetables. The "dirty" part of the name comes from the brownish color the rice takes on from the meat and spices. But don't let the name fool you—this dish is pure, mouthwatering goodness.

If you're a fan of shrimp, this version of dirty rice adds the perfect seafood twist. The juicy shrimp brings a delightful contrast to the seasoned meats and rice, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. The combination of pork sausage, hamburger meat, and shrimp, all seasoned with the perfect balance of herbs and spices, creates a one-pot meal that's both filling and satisfying.

Recipe: Shrimp Dirty Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb hamburger meat
• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 10-12 shrimp, tail off and deveined
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable; Better Than Bouillon chicken broth recommended)
• 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

Instructions:

1. Season the Shrimp: Start by seasoning the shrimp with seafood seasoning. This gives the shrimp a flavorful base to enhance the dish.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they curl into a nice "C" shape. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the hamburger meat and pork sausage. As the meat starts to brown, stir in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Let the vegetables cook with the meat until everything is nicely browned.
4. Add the Seasonings: Once the meat is fully browned, sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Thicken the Mixture: Stir in the flour to create a thickened base for the dirty rice. Cook it for a minute or so, making sure the flour is fully incorporated into the meat and vegetables.
6. Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
7. Add the Rice and Shrimp: Stir in the cooked rice and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth. Finally, add the shrimp back into the skillet, letting them warm through.

Enjoy your Shrimp Dirty Rice as a standalone meal or serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. The dish has a wonderful balance of spice, savory meat, and juicy shrimp, all enveloped by the hearty rice.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home. The blend of meats, shrimp, and rich spices in this dirty rice will leave you craving more. Not only is it a complete meal in one pan, but it's also customizable—you can tweak the seasoning to suit your heat tolerance or swap out ingredients based on what's in your pantry.

Here are some excellent sources for Shrimp Dirty Rice recipes, which provide different variations and approaches to this flavorful dish:

1. Simply Recipes offers a classic version of Shrimp Dirty Rice that emphasizes Creole and Cajun flavors with the addition of andouille sausage, shrimp, and various spices. This version maintains traditional ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and celery, making it a flavorful and balanced one-pot meal​(Simply Recipes).
2. Food & Wine provides a quick and easy take on Dirty Rice with Shrimp. Their recipe skips the chicken livers typically found in dirty rice but keeps the essential veggies, spices, and proteins. This version is ideal for those looking for a simpler preparation that still retains the dish’s core flavors​(Food & Wine).
3. Paul Prudhomme’s Seafood Dirty Rice shared by the Creole Cajun Chef brings in a rich Louisiana twist, using shrimp and crabmeat for a seafood-packed version of dirty rice. The recipe also includes creamy elements and a bold seasoning blend, making it a decadent and filling main course​(Creole Cajun Chef).
4. For a healthy and flavorful option, Delicious Meets Healthy offers a Shrimp Dirty Rice that swaps in brown rice and focuses on a lighter preparation while maintaining the dish's robust flavor profile. This version is great for those looking to balance indulgence with health-conscious choices​(Delicious Meets Healthy).

These sources provide a variety of approaches, allowing you to pick a recipe that best suits your preference or dietary needs.