Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

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Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice is ready to eat in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight family dinners and a simply delicious shrimp and rice recipe! It’s so satisfying, easy-to-make, only requires a few ingredients, and full of cajun flavour; making it one of the best one pot meals everyone will enjoy! Serve for dinner, and perfect for leftover lunch the next day!

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

All hail one pot dinners, they are definitely my favourite kind of weeknight dish, full of flavour, of course delicious with minimal cleanup! This rice and shrimp recipe comes together in no time, about 30 minutes to be exact. Start by sautéing your shrimp and aromatics, then add rice, broth, season and voilà, you’re finished!

Here are some other reasons why I love this Cajun Shrimp & Rice dish:

• Family friendly, with flavours the entire family will enjoy
• Make enough for leftovers the next day; perfect dish to reheat
• Easy prep, one pot, meal-in-one with easy cleanup

Check Out These Other One Pot Dinner Recipes

1. One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
2. One Pot Italian Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Tortellini
3. Healthy Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. It perfect for adding good flavour to chicken, seafood, beef, pork and even veggies!

How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Make your own cajun seasoning by combining a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, chilli powder, and cayenne pepper to create the delicious blend.

What Type of Rice to Use for Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

Use Parboiled Rice – it is recommended to use parboiled rice, as other rice grains may not yield the same results. Parboiling reduces the stickiness of rice (improves the texture) so it yields full and separate kernels once cooked. This is especially desirable in this dish.

What You Need to Make Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

Cajun Shrimp
Raw Shrimp
Cajun Seasoning
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Smoked Paprika
Salt
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Olive Oil
Cajun Rice
Parboiled Brown Rice
Butter
Onion
Garlic
Chicken Stock
Cajun Seasoning
Italian Seasoning
Green Onions

How to Make Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

1. Preheat Oven – to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Shrimp – with cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper; set aside.
3. Saute Shrimp – Heat olive oil in a 10 inch skillet or deep pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and saute until cooked, about 2-5 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Remove and transfer to a plate; set aside.
4. Saute Aromatics – melt butter in skillet then add onions, sauté for 2-3 minutes then add garlic and continue to saute until fragrant and softened.
5. Add Broth & Rice – stir in chicken broth and rice. Season with cajun seasoning, italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for around 3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Cover and transfer to Oven – for about 12-15 minutes or until rice becomes tender to your liking. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes, stir in shrimp, garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice Recipe Tips

Saute Shrimp First – once done cooking shrimp, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm until the end, then stir into rice aor place on top and serve.

Gather and Prepare all Ingredients – especially if you want to get dinner on the table quick, prep your ingredients before turning on the heat!

Use a Large Skillet/Pan – ensure you use a pan that is big enough to hold rice after it expands during the cooking process.  If you use too small a pan and rice will not cook thoroughly and evenly.

Do Not Overcrowd the Skillet – when sauteing the shrimp, do not overcrowd the pan as this will create excess liquid and reduce the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy shrimp. For the best results, saute the shrimp in batches if needed.

Adjust amount of Broth or Stock – The amount of stock required varies depending on the rice used. Add more stock if rice grains are not cooked through to your desired tenderness and all liquid has been absorbed from the skillet. Keep in mind, the rice will continue to steam for approx. 10 minutes once it’s removed from heat.

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice – Rice Success Tips

Rinse and Drain Rice Thoroughly – this is crucial to remove the extra starch from the rice so it doesn’t yield a sticky and mushy result. To rinse, place rice in a fine mesh strainer and thoroughly rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear.

If Liquid Evaporates Before Rice is Done – add additional liquid (water or broth) a tbsp at a time keeping in mind that the rice will continue to steam for 10 minutes once it’s removed from heat, so it doesn’t need to be 100% cooked once liquid is gone.

If Rice is Still Wet – the rice will continue to absorb the liquid while it is steaming. Allow the rice to sit uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to dry out, fluffing with a fork first.

How to Know When Rice is Cooked

If the rice is soft and fluffy it is fully cooked and ready to be served. You can taste test a few grains to ensure it is as well!

What Type of Shrimp to Buy

• Wild Caught Shrimp – look for medium or large wild caught shrimp as opposed to farm-raised for the best flavor and texture.
• Raw Deveined Shrimp – opt for raw (not precooked), peeled and deveined shrimp. This will save you loads of time, as the only prep you need is to defrost and season the shrimp.
• Frozen Shrimp – frozen shrimp is frozen shortly after it’s caught which means it’s frozen at peak freshness! It’s often more economical and quite easy to find. Also, shrimp behind the counter is typically frozen and thawed in most cases.

How Do I Defrost Shrimp?

Here are two options for how you can defrost shrimp:

• Refrigerate Overnight Method (Easy): one of the simplest ways to defrost shrimp is in your refrigerator overnight. Simply remove the desired amount of frozen shrimp, place in a covered bowl and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
• Cold Water Method (Quick): the quickest way to defrost shrimp is to add the desired amount of shrimp to a large enough bowl, then fill the bowl with cold tap water and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, replace the water with new cold tap water and allow the shrimp to sit once again – repeat after 10 minutes if needed until fully thawed.

How Long Does Defrosted Shrimp Last in the Refrigerator?

After you have defrosted your shrimp, store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.

Should You Devein Shrimp?

Deveining shrimp is when you remove the dark line you see on the backs of shrimp which is their digestive tract. Removing it is a matter of personal preference and choice as it is not harmful to ingest. However, it can have an unappealing look and taste (adds a gritty/sandy texture).

TSS Good to Know – larger shrimp often have grittier veins, which can have an unappealing texture and look.

What’s the Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?

It is highly recommended that you purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. However, in the event that you purchase shrimp that is not, follow these simple steps to get the job done:

1. Pull Off Head and Legs – if applicable, pull off the head and the legs.
2. Remove Shell – . remove, starting on the head end, the outer shell leaving the tail attached if desired.
3. Remove and Discard Vein – locate the vein in the shrimp running along its back (also underneath – however this is optional) and make a shallow cut about 1/4 inch deep and use the tip of the knife to lift it out and discard.
4. Rinse & Rest – rinse the shrimp and lay on a paper towel to dry until ready to use.

Should I Cook Shrimp with Tail On or Off?

You can cook shrimp with the tail on or off, depending on your personal preference. However, much like meat bones, the shell and tail of the shrimp contain much flavour which adds to the overall taste of the dish.

How to Know When Shrimp is Done Cooking?

Shrimp like most seafood cook fairly fast around 2-3 minutes per side, as opposed to other kinds of protein. There are two visual cues you can use to ensure you don’t overcook your shrimp – colour and shape.

Colour – when done, shrimp turn pink and opaque in colour with some pink and bright red accents as opposed to their translucent gray raw state. Remove the shrimp from the heat source once it is fully opaque without any gray left.

Shape – as shrimp cook, their muscle contract which cause them to curl this is the second indicator of doneness. Often it is said that perfectly cooked shrimp have “C” shape while over cooked shrimp have an “O” shape. However, most shrimp unless using jumbo shrimp can be perfectly cooked with a “C” shrimp as well. Once your shrimp begin to curl, they are usually done cooking.

See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice II

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How to Store Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

To Store in Refrigerator – allow shrimp and rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To Freeze for Later – allow shrimp and rice cool completely and transfer to a freezer safe container, label and place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Reheat Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

This dish reheats well, so feel free to batch cook and make extra so you can enjoy leftovers for the next few days!

Reheat (Stovetop) –  reheat over medium-low heat until warmed through to your liking. This is my recommended and favourite way to reheat.

Reheat (Microwave) – microwave for one minute, stir, then continue to heat in 30 second intervals until warmed through.

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice Meal Prep

This is a great recipe You can divide into small portions and do the meal prep as well.

What to Serve with Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

This is truly a one pot meal, meaning everything is prepared in one vessel whether a pot, wok, skillet, dutch oven etc. However if you are interested in adding a side to this recipe try these:

1. Roasted or Steamed Veggies
2. Veggie Foil Packets
3. Garden Salad or Salad of your Choice

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice Recipe Variations

• Add Different Seafood – if you’re feeling like you want to add more seafood feel free to do so! Scallops, crayfish, prawns, mussels, clams work well in this dish.
• Include Veggies – add veggies that are more hearty and able to hold up during the cooking process i.e. carrots, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower.
• Change the Protein – not a fan of seafood, none at home in the fridge/freezer? Swap the shrimp for chicken – breasts or thighs do well!

Other Delicious One Pot Meals To Try

One Pot Italian Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Tortellini & One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

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Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice is ready to eat in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight family dinners and a simply delicious shrimp and rice recipe! It’s so satisfying, easy-to-make, only requires a few ingredients, and full of cajun flavour; making it one of the best one pot meals everyone will enjoy! Serve for dinner, and perfect for leftover lunch the next day!

3.73 from 11 votes

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Course Fish & Seafood, Main Dishes & Entrees, Quick, Easy & Under 30

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 572 kcal

Equipment

• 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  

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Cajun Shrimp

• 1 lb Raw Shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Salt more or less to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Cajun Rice

• 2 cups Brown Rice parboiled, thoroughly rinsed and drained
• 3 tbsp Salted Butter
• 1 Onion sliced
• 4 Cloves Garlic minced
• 2 3/4 cup Chicken Broth or stock
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Green Onions thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season shrimp with cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper; set aside for at least 15 minutes.
  
• Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet or deep pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until cooked, about 2-5 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Remove and transfer to a plate; set aside.
• Melt butter in skillet then add onions, sauté for 2-3 minutes then add garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant and softened. Stir in chicken broth (or stock) and rice. Season with cajun seasoning, italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for around 3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low and allow to simmer until most of the liquid has absorbed. Cover and transfer to preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until rice tender to your liking. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes, stir in shrimp, garnish with green onions and enjoy!
  

Notes

Type of Rice – for best results, it is recommended you use parboiled rice as other rice grains will yield varying results.

If the Broth/Stock Evaporates Before Rice is Done – the amount of broth/stock required varies depending on the rice used. Add more stock if rice grains are not cooked through to your desired tenderness and all liquid has been absorbed from the skillet. Keep in mind, the rice will continue to steam for approx. 10 minutes once it’s removed from heat.

see detailed notes above for additional tips.

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 25gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 1463mgPotassium: 695mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2788IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 4mg

Keyword cajun recipe, cajun shrimp recipe, easy dinner recipe, one pot cajun shrimp and rice, one pot recipe, quick dinner recipe, rice recipe, skillet dinner, weeknight dinner recipe

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