Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Cajun Shrimp and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this quick dinner idea that's bursting with the vibrant tastes of Cajun cuisine. This recipe is also a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
- Prepare all your vegetables – chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic. Mise en place is key to efficient cooking!
Cooking the Shrimp and Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
Preparing the Rice:
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the vegetable mixture and spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and fresh parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Seafood Swap: Substitute the shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or firm white fish.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!