This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pot meal that combines succulent shrimp with perfectly seasoned rice. With a hint of zesty lemon, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. If you enjoy Cajun dishes, don't miss out on trying my Cajun Shrimp Pasta as well!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal for this recipe. Peel and devein them by making a shallow slit along the back and removing the black vein. You can leave the tails on or off as per your preference. Adjust the cooking time if using shrimp of different sizes. Frozen shrimp can also be used; just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Rice: I used long-grain white rice, but feel free to substitute with basmati, jasmine, or brown rice. Different rice varieties may require slight adjustments in cooking time and liquid amounts.
- Cajun Seasoning: For the best flavor, use homemade Cajun seasoning. You likely have the necessary spices on hand. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken stock can be used if chicken broth is unavailable, though it may be saltier.
How to Prepare Cajun Shrimp and Rice
For a hassle-free approach, cook the shrimp directly with the rice. Start by seasoning the shrimp and setting them aside. Once the rice is ready, fold in the seasoned shrimp. Let everything sit on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The residual heat from the rice will cook the shrimp to perfection.
Storing & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature and then refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours. It will keep for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of oil or in the microwave when ready to serve.
More Shrimp Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for more easy shrimp recipes, try Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, Shrimp, Sausage, and Veggie Foil Packs, or Baked Crispy Honey Lime Shrimp.
Seasonal Inspiration
Watching the seasons change is one of life's joys. As spring arrives, I find myself shifting my meal planning to include lighter, seafood dishes like this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet. Growing up, shrimp reminded me of beach vacations and fresh seafood. Seafood, including shrimp, is incredibly versatile. I also enjoy other seafood recipes such as Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Tuna Steaks and Dill Cream Sauce for Salmon. Whether in tacos, salads, or pasta, shrimp never disappoints.
Making Cajun Seasoning at Home
Cajun seasoning is a blend used by the Acadians, French settlers who migrated to Louisiana from Canada. They developed this robust, heavily seasoned cuisine to preserve their food. Homemade Cajun seasoning is easy to make with ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste and make a batch to keep in your spice rack.
