Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp and 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!

If you are looking for more easy and delicious cajun inspired recipes, then check out this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon, or this Cajun Garlic Butter Lobster Tails and you’ll definitely want to check out this Cajun Butter Steak Bites.

Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

All hail one pot dinners! They are definitely my favourite kind of weeknight dish, full of flavour and 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!

This recipe is one of our top trending recipes for over one year now, and it’s a popular one for all the right reasons. It’s like having your cake and eating it to, simply the best of all the worlds. If you’re a seafood lover, it has shrimp. A lover of a quick and easy dish, this is for you. Fan of Cajun flavours and all things yummy, you’re in for a great treat!

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 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.

Cajun Shrimp

These cajun shrimp are insanely good, you’ll probably have to resist the urge of eating them all before the cajun rice is ready. It takes no time to prepare and even quicker to cook, making it a busy weeknight dinner fan favourite.

Raw Shrimp – this take
Cajun Seasoning – delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to make your own blend.
Onion Powder – this is dehydrated onion that has been ground into a powder and adds the perfect onion flavour.
Garlic Powder – use this generously in the place of fresh garlic as it adds great flavour.
Smoked Paprika – this is great for adding a beautiful colour to the shrimp as well as flavour.
Salt and Black Pepper – depending on your preference as well as whether or not your other seasoning have salt you may choose to omit, and is used to enhance flavour.
Olive Oil – this helps the dry spices to stick to the shrimp.

Cajun Rice

The name of this game is flavour, and this cajun rice definitely understands the assignment! It’s perfectly seasoned with bites of fresh garlic and onion, and pairs extremely well with the cajun shrimp!

Long Grain Parboiled Rice – this is rice that has been partially boiled in the husk and for best results, it is recommended you use this type of rice as other rice grains will yield varying results.
Butter – this is the fat used in this recipe to add flavour.
Onion – this adds another layer of flavour that compliments the cajun spice especially when sautéed with the garlic.
Garlic – you can never have enough garlic; this adds flavour that when combined with the onions is a aromatic delight.
Chicken Stock – this dish is all about flavour; using chicken stock instead of water makes your taste buds dance for joy.
Cajun Seasoning – delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to make your own blend.
Italian Seasoning – this is usually a herbaceous blend of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. 
Green Onions – used to add a light freshness as well as texture to the final dish; use as garnish

How to Make Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice

This recipe is fairly easy to make, and comes together in no time making it perfect for busy weeknights and for those on the go. It’s made in one pot by first sautéing your shrimp, then remove and add your onions, garlic and rice. Once it has come to a simmer, place in oven to finish cooking then add back your shrimp and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Recipe Notes and Expert 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.

Cajun 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!

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.

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.

Storage Instructions

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.

Reheating Instructions

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.

How to Prep Ahead

This is a great recipe to batch cook so you have enough for leftovers and meal prepping. You can divide into smaller portions, storing refrigerated once cooled in an airtight container for meal-prep throughout the week.

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

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Once removed from the oven and rice fluffed, add back your shrimp and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. This dish is best served warm so allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. You will definitely have everyone asking for seconds and thirds so this is the perfect meal to make for family and guests of all kinds.