Name: Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 10-12 shrimp, tail off and deveined; 1 tsp seafood seasoning; 3 tsp vegetable oil, divided; 1 lb hamburger meat; 1 lb ground pork sausage; 4 cups cooked rice; 2 cups broth (Better Than Bouillon chicken broth recommended); 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped; 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 1/4 cup flour; 1 tbsp oregano; 3 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp pepper, more to taste; 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste; Pinch of cayenne pepper

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Get ready to bring a true taste of the South to your kitchen with Shrimp Dirty Rice! This hearty, flavorful dish combines juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and ground beef with aromatic rice and a medley of colorful vegetables, all spiced perfectly for a soulful, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing guests, Shrimp Dirty Rice delivers a bowl full of bold comfort and vibrant textures in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Shrimp Dirty Rice are straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in layering authentic flavor and heartiness. From juicy shrimp to warm seasonings, don’t skip a thing—each bite will thank you!

Hamburger meat (1 lb): Adds bold, beefy depth to each bite.
Ground pork sausage (1 lb): Infuses the rice with a succulent, savory richness.
Shrimp (10–12, tail off and deveined): The tender stars, bringing coastal flair and sweet brininess.
Cooked rice (4 cups): Absorbs all the delicious flavors and gives the dish its signature texture.
Chicken broth (2 cups, Better Than Bouillon recommended): Enhances every layer with robust, slow-cooked taste.
Mixed onions and bell peppers (1.5 cups, chopped): Essential for that Holy Trinity base—it’s all about flavor and color.
Vegetable oil (3 tbsp, divided): Creates the perfect sauté for meats, veggies, and shrimp.
Seafood seasoning (1 tsp): Lends that classic, zesty touch to your shrimp.
Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens your mix for creamier, saucier rice.
Oregano (1 tbsp): Fragrant, earthy notes that tie everything together.
Minced garlic (3 tsp): A must for depth and irresistible aroma.
Thyme (1 tsp): Makes every forkful aromatic and slightly minty.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Boosts that savory punch in every spoonful.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the base flavor for extra richness.
Chili powder (1 tsp): Gives just enough gentle warmth without overpowering.
Pepper (1/2 tsp, more to taste): For balancing spice and depth.
Salt (1/2 tsp, more to taste): Lets all the flavors shine brightly.
Cayenne pepper (pinch): Offers a pop of heat—adjust to preference.

How to Make Shrimp Dirty Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp generously with seafood seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque. Remove them to a plate so they stay plump and perfectly tender when you add them back later.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In the same skillet, with all those delicious shrimp bits left behind, add the last tablespoon of oil. Toss in the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spoon, letting it brown and develop savory caramelized flavor. This creates a solid, robust base for your Shrimp Dirty Rice.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Once the meats are beautifully browned, stir in your chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the vegetables soften and their aroma fills your kitchen. Here’s where you also layer in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne—every bit makes your Shrimp Dirty Rice truly bold.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Broth

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour all over the meat and veggie mixture, stirring rapidly so no lumps form. Once the flour disappears, slowly pour in your chicken broth. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor—this is what makes your rice extra luscious.

Step 5: Combine with Rice and Shrimp

Add the cooked rice, folding it in so every grain gets coated with the rich, aromatic mixture. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, so the rice soaks up that flavorful sauce. Finally, return your shrimp to the skillet, stirring well to ensure they’re evenly distributed. The shrimp will finish cooking, remaining juicy and flavorful within the rice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot, fragrant Shrimp Dirty Rice onto plates or into a big serving bowl. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle over some chopped green onions or parsley. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!

How to Serve Shrimp Dirty Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley brings a burst of color and freshness to the finished plate of Shrimp Dirty Rice. For even more Southern flair, add thinly sliced red chilies or a wedge of lemon on the side—the brightness pairs beautifully with the seasoned rice.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Dirty Rice is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to get festive, serve it alongside a crisp garden salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or warm cornbread. A little hot sauce on the table never hurts either; it’s the Southern way!

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dinner, pack Shrimp Dirty Rice into a clean ramekin or small bowl, then invert onto a plate for a molded presentation. Or, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for individual servings that double as edible bowls. The vibrant colors will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Shrimp Dirty Rice within an hour of cooking, then scoop it into airtight containers. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days. Keep shrimp and rice together for optimal flavor, but keep in mind shrimp can turn rubbery when overcooked, so don’t reheat for too long.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze Shrimp Dirty Rice for future meals. Place it in a freezer-safe container (or resealable bag, pressed flat to save space) for up to two months. For best quality, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer Shrimp Dirty Rice to a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle on a splash of broth or water, then gently reheat over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking, so you get the best color and texture in your Shrimp Dirty Rice.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is classic for Shrimp Dirty Rice because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully. If you prefer, you can use brown rice for a heartier version, but be sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding.

Is Shrimp Dirty Rice spicy?

This version offers mild heat from chili powder and cayenne, but it’s totally customizable. If you love spice, add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side. For milder palates, use less spice and skip the cayenne.

Can I make Shrimp Dirty Rice ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed freshly made for peak shrimp tenderness, but you can cook the meat and rice base a day ahead. Add the shrimp just before serving for the best results.

What can I use instead of pork sausage?

If you don’t eat pork, swap pork sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. Just make sure to pick a well-seasoned variety for the fullest flavor in your Shrimp Dirty Rice.

Final Thoughts

Bursting with bold flavor and homey Southern comfort, Shrimp Dirty Rice is pure joy in a skillet. Don’t wait for a special occasion—invite some friends over or whip up a cozy weeknight dinner and let this dish steal the show. I hope you savor every spoonful!

Shrimp Dirty Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful and hearty dish, Shrimp Dirty Rice combines seasoned shrimp, ground meat, vegetables, and rice for a delicious one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Season shrimp with seafood seasoning. Cook in a skillet with 2 tsp of oil for 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
Cook the Meat: In the same skillet, cook hamburger meat and sausage until browned.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened. Add oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne.
Incorporate Flour and Broth: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, then slowly pour in broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Combine with Rice and Shrimp: Add rice to the skillet, simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in shrimp.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can adjust the spice levels by adding more cayenne or pepper to suit your taste.
Feel free to customize the vegetables in the dish based on your preferences.
This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Southern