Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

$To make a tasty Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have shrimp, try chicken or tofu. For rice, brown rice can work, but adjust the cooking time. If you lack Cajun seasoning, use Italian herbs. You can also pick other vegetables like zucchini or corn instead of bell pepper. Using fresh ingredients gives a bright flavor. Fresh shrimp tastes better than frozen. However, frozen shrimp saves time and lasts longer. You can use frozen peas for this dish as they cook quickly. In most cases, fresh vegetables bring more crunch and color, but frozen options can be just as good. Use what fits your kitchen and mood! First, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. You want to sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps soften the veggies and brings out their sweet flavor. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic and cook for one more minute. You’ll smell a nice aroma at this point. Now it’s time to stir in one cup of long-grain white rice. Sprinkle two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix everything well. This will coat the rice in spices and give it a lovely color. Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is the time for the rice to cook and soak up the broth. While the rice cooks, season one pound of large shrimp with salt and pepper. After 15 minutes, check the rice. If it’s tender, add the shrimp and one cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they’re ready. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors come together. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it warm and enjoy the vibrant flavors! To get that true Cajun taste, use a good Cajun seasoning. You can buy it or make your own. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme for a homemade blend. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice level. If you want more heat, add a touch more. Sautéing the onion and bell pepper first releases their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish. This mix of flavors gives you that authentic Cajun kick. For tender shrimp, timing is key. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Season them with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. This simple step boosts their flavor. If you want to enhance the taste even more, add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. It stays fluffy and separate, which is great for this dish. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps prevent the rice from being sticky. When you add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil first. Then, cover it and let it simmer. This method allows the rice to absorb all those delicious flavors. Remember to let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. Fluffing it with a fork gives it a nice, light texture. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your Cajun shrimp rice skillet for more flavor and nutrition. Try adding diced zucchini, carrots, or corn. These veggies cook quickly and blend well with the rice. You can toss them in during the sauté step. This way, they soften up and soak in all those Cajun spices. If shrimp isn't your thing, you can switch proteins easily. Chicken or sausage works well in this dish. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it until fully cooked before adding the rice. For sausage, slice it and cook it with the onion and bell pepper. This swaps proteins keeps the dish just as tasty! Cajun food is known for its kick, but you control the heat! If you want a mild version, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also use less Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add more cayenne or even hot sauce. Taste as you go and adjust to match your spice level. Your taste buds will thank you! To store your Cajun shrimp rice skillet, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh for up to three days in the fridge. I recommend dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can heat just what you need. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium until it's warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to trap steam. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it in a skillet or microwave. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need about 40-45 minutes. Use more broth to ensure it cooks well. Adjust the cooking time in the recipe. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just keep it in an airtight container. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove. To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also use a hot sauce. Add it when cooking the shrimp. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This blog post covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to create the perfect Cajun dish with shrimp, rice, and peas. Remember to try different ingredient options and flavor levels to match your taste. Store leftovers well and reheat them for a quick meal. With these tips, you can make this dish a go-to favorite. Enjoy cooking and experimenting as you refine your skills. Happy cooking!$

Delight your taste buds with this Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet recipe! In just 35 minutes, create a flavorful one-pan meal using succulent shrimp, aromatic spices, and vibrant veggies. This recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ready to spice up your mealtime? Click through for the full recipe and discover how easy cooking can be! #CajunShrimp #OnePanDinner #ShrimpRecipe #EasyRecipes

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat the rice in the spices.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. After 15 minutes, add the shrimp and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Remove from heat and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4