Creole Shrimp and Dirty Rice: A Taste of Louisiana

Bring the bayou to your table with this Creole shrimp and rice! Easy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. A weeknight win! Get the recipe now.

May 30, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright then, fancy a bit of Creole, eh?

Creole Shrimp and Dirty Rice: A Taste of Louisiana

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to spice up your weeknight dinner? this creole shrimp and rice recipe is your ticket. it's proper comforting and packed with flavour.

We're talking cajun spice meets tender shrimp. honest to god, it's gorgeous.

Brief Overview

Creole cuisine hails from louisiana. it's all about big, bold flavours. this dish is medium difficulty, taking about 55 minutes to make.

It serves 4-6 people. i reckon it's perfect for a casual dinner party. it's easier than you think and guaranteed to impress your mates.

Main Benefits

Shrimp recipes healthy options can be tricky, but this one packs protein and veggies. it is bang on for a quick dinner that's secretly good for you.

It's what makes this recipe with prawns special. my nan used to say, "a little spice keeps you nice!" she wasn't wrong, this one's got a kick!

Time to Talk Ingredients!

Right, so shrimp and rice , yeah? But not just any shrimp and rice. This is Creole shrimp and rice. Think smoky sausage, tender shrimp and a proper kick of spice.

You'll need a pound of pork sausage , about a cup of chopped onion , and about a cup of bell pepper .

Don't forget the garlic! we're talking 2 cloves, minced. cajun seasoning is key. get your hands on tony chachere's if you can.

For the shrimp, about a pound of peeled and deveined. You'll want diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. We're aiming for rich and saucy here.

Honestly, i've tried so many shrimp dishes over the years but this one, this is something special. it's easy enough for a tuesday but feels like a saturday night treat.

Perfect for them prawn meal ideas , isn't it?.

Now that we've talked ingredients, lets dive into my step-by-step directions!

Okay, let's dive into the good stuff! we're talking ingredients and gear for a cracking creole shrimp and rice . honestly, sourcing decent ingredients makes all the difference.

It's like the foundation for a good cuppa - you need quality for a truly satisfying result.

Creole Shrimp and Dirty Rice: A Taste of Louisiana Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage, spicy or mild
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere's)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (approx. 410g)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (approx. 225g)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (approx. 15g)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere's)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Hot sauce, to taste (e.g., Tabasco)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Brown the pork sausage in the skillet, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened. Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Cook until fragrant.
• Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed (about 18-20 minutes).
• While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a separate skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes, depending on size. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
• Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the dirty rice onto plates and top with the Creole shrimp sauce. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' Shrimp and Rice

Main Ingredients for Creole Magic

Right, here's the lowdown for a shrimp and rice extravaganza that'll transport you straight to louisiana. these measurements are key, mind you.

Get 'em right, and you're halfway there. we’ll break it down into rice and shrimp recipes .

• For the Glorious Dirty Rice:

  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) - nothing fancy, just a good all-rounder.
  • Ground pork sausage: 1 lb (450g), spicy or mild. Quality matters here, people! Look for one with a good fat content; it adds flavour. If you can't find ground pork, some good quality chorizo works great.
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
  • Green bell pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup).
  • Celery stalks: 2 , finely chopped (about 1/2 cup).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
  • Cajun seasoning: 1 tsp (e.g., Tony Chachere's). This is essential; don't skip it.
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp . Adds a lovely earthy note.
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick!
  • Long-grain rice: 1 cup (200g), rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of extra starch, stops it being sticky.
  • Chicken broth: 2 cups (475 ml). Low sodium is best. That way, you can control the salt.
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (60 ml), chopped.

• For the Creole Shrimp Bonanza:

  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450g), peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen, but frozen needs to be thawed completely. Look for plump, firm shrimp recipes , it is one of the shrimp recipes healthy .
  • Yellow onion: 1/2 medium , chopped (about 1/2 cup).
  • Green bell pepper: 1/2 medium , chopped (about 1/2 cup).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (about 410g), undrained.
  • Tomato sauce: 1 (8 oz) can (about 225g).
  • Tomato paste: 1 tbsp (about 15g).
  • Cajun seasoning: 1 tsp (e.g., Tony Chachere's).
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp .
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional).
  • Hot sauce: To taste (e.g., Tabasco). The secret to a Shrimp With Honey And Soy Sauce
  • Green onions: Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Forget boring, bland food! creole is all about flavour. cajun seasoning is your friend here. salt and pepper are your basic friends, but get creative! the essential spice combo of cajun seasoning, thyme, and oregano is what gives this dish its soul.

A splash of hot sauce never hurts. honestly, don't be shy! you want shrimp recipes for dinner ? you found them.

• Cajun seasoning + Thyme + Oregano= Creole Gold
• For a sweet dish, Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this shrimp and rice . This is a solid choice for Retreat Lunch Ideas

• Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid - because who wants extra washing up?
• Cutting board - unless you fancy chopping stuff on your worktop.
• Chef's knife - a good knife is essential.
• Measuring cups and spoons - Accuracy is key, especially for baking and seasoning.

Easy peasy! Now you're armed and ready to tackle this Creole shrimp and rice . Let's get cooking!

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Always double-check with specific product labels for accurate data.

Right then, let's dive into making some seriously tasty food. you know, something proper comforting! how about creole shrimp and dirty rice? it’s like a hug in a bowl, honest! plus, it's easier than you think.

"laissez les bons temps rouler!" as they say. (let the good times roll!)

Creole Shrimp and Dirty Rice: A Taste of Louisiana

Fancy a bit of louisiana sunshine on your plate? this creole shrimp and rice dish is just the ticket. tender shrimp swimming in a spicy tomato sauce, piled high on flavorful "dirty rice" – proper grub.

And the best part? it's all done in one pot, meaning less washing up. result!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Before we start slinging ingredients around, let's get organised, yeah? It’s all about the mise en place – having everything prepped and ready.

• Essential mise en place : Chop your veggies (onion, pepper, celery), mince the garlic, measure out your spices. Get the shrimp peeled and deveined too. Basically, do all the boring bits first.
• Time-saving organisation tips : Get one of those little prep bowls and put all your prepped ingredients in.
• Safety reminders : Watch those fingers when chopping! No one wants a blood-flavoured dinner.

Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!

Right, here's how to turn those ingredients into something amazing. Don't panic, it's easier than building IKEA furniture.

1. Start the Rice: Brown 1 lb (450g) of pork sausage in a large pan. Break it up, then drain off the fat.
2. Veggie Time: Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and ½ cup of celery . Cook until soft. Chuck in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp dried thyme and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional). Cook until it smells amazing!
3. Rice Power: Stir in 1 cup (200g) of rinsed rice and 2 cups (475 ml) of chicken broth . Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat. Cover and simmer for 18- 20 minutes , or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is gone.
4. Sauce It Up: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in another pan. Sauté ½ a chopped onion and ½ a chopped bell pepper until soft. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
5. Simmer Down: Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp of dried oregano, and ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes (optional) . Simmer for 10 minutes .
6. Shrimp Ahoy: Add 1 lb (450g) of shrimp to the sauce. Cook for 3- 5 minutes , until pink and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
7. Rice Finish: Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in ¼ cup of chopped parsley . Season to taste.
8. Serve It Up: Spoon the rice onto plates and top with the shrimp sauce. Garnish with green onions if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Get Your Chef On

Want to take this up a notch? Here are a few tricks of the trade.

• Don't skip rinsing the rice: Seriously, it makes a difference. No one wants sticky rice.
• Use a good Cajun seasoning: Proper flavour bomb. I like Tony Chachere's.
• Don't overcook the shrimp! Rubber is no good. Cook them until they're pink and opaque. This is a perfect time to prepare some Shrimp Recipes Healthy .

Honestly, this shrimp with honey and soy sauce would be a fantastic twist on this! or even a honey garlic shrimp stir fry , come to think of it.

You could even try some shrimp dishes or shrimp on rice recipes with the creole sauce. the possibilities are endless! for other shrimp dinner ideas pasta consider that this sauce is fantastic over pasta or use the cooked shrimp recipes in pasta dishes.

We all need some fresh prawn meal ideas and shrimp dinner ideas .

This shrimp and rice recipe is a belter. quick, easy, and full of flavour. perfect for a midweek meal or even a fancy retreat lunch ideas party.

So, get cooking, and enjoy! and don't forget to share your creations with me. happy cooking, folks!

Alright, so you’re ready to whip up some proper creole shrimp and rice ? sorted! now before you dive in headfirst, let's have a chat about some essential recipe notes to make sure it turns out spot-on.

Think of it as getting the playbook before the big match.

Ace Serving Suggestions for your Shrimp Recipes

Right, let's talk presentation. you know, how to make your shrimp dishes look like something outta masterchef ? first off, plating.

Don't just dump it on a plate! spoon the dirty rice in a nice mound, and artfully arrange the shrimp dishes recipes healthy around it.

Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a pop of colour.

Think about some complementary sides too. a simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. and for drinks? a cold beer always goes down a treat.

Or if you're feeling fancy, a crisp white wine works wonders. fancy a retreat lunch ideas ? this is perfect.

Proper Storage Secrets

So, you've somehow managed to not scoff the whole lot in one go? fair play! let’s discuss storage. pop any leftovers in an airtight container, and it'll keep in the fridge for up to three days, easy peasy.

Freezing? yeah, you could , but the texture of the rice and shrimp and rice might change a bit. if you must, portion it out before freezing.

Reheating is simple: microwave it until it's piping hot, or gently warm it in a pan with a splash of water.

Nifty Variations – Keep it Fresh

Fancy a bit of a twist? No worries, got you covered.

• Dietary Tweaks : Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice. Boom, low-carb Shrimp Recipes Healthy !
• Seasonal Swaps : If it's autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash for sweetness. In the summer, fresh corn kernels would be lovely.

Nitty-Gritty Nutrition - Shrimp and White Rice

Alright, a quick word on the good stuff. shrimp recipes are packed with protein and low in fat, win-win! shrimp dishes give you a decent dose of selenium, and shrimp and rice offers energy-boosting carbs.

Just be mindful of the sodium content if you're watching your salt intake. shrimp dinner ideas pasta can be healthy if you watch the portions.

So there you have it! a few extra bits to chew on before you embark on your shrimp and rice adventure.

Don't be scared to experiment and chuck in your own personal flair. now get in the kitchen and cook up a storm! shrimp recipes easy are there for the taking.