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To make this dish, you need a few key items: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined - 200g chicken sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 celery stalk, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients form the base of the shrimp sausage dirty rice. Each one adds its own flavor and texture. The rice soaks up the broth, making it soft and tasty. The shrimp and sausage bring a savory kick. Spices are key to making this dish pop. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste These spices give the dish a warm, bold flavor. Cajun seasoning adds depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky touch, while cayenne adds heat. Adjust the cayenne to suit your taste. A few fresh garnishes can elevate your meal: - 2 green onions, sliced - Chopped parsley These garnishes add color and freshness. They also provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the rice. Serve with a slice of lemon for a bright finish. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by measuring 1 cup of long-grain white rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mix to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. After that, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. This will create a great base for your dish. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped celery stalk. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. This step builds a strong flavor foundation for your dirty rice. After 5 minutes, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic. Now it’s time to add protein. Stir in 200 grams of sliced chicken sausage. Cook this for 3 to 4 minutes. The sausage should start to brown nicely. Then, add 200 grams of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to your taste. Stir everything together and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 to 5 minutes. This part adds a lot of flavor and color. Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the prepared rice to the skillet. Mix well to ensure the rice combines with the sausage and shrimp. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want everything to heat through and blend nicely. Taste your dish and adjust any seasonings as needed. When you're happy with the flavors, remove it from heat. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish. To get the best rice, use long-grain white rice. This type stays fluffy. Use two cups of chicken broth. Broth adds flavor and moisture. Bring the broth to a boil before adding rice. Cover it and let it cook on low heat. In about 15-20 minutes, the rice will be soft. Fluff it gently with a fork when done. This step keeps the grains separate and light. Spice can change a dish. Start with one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat with cayenne pepper. A quarter teaspoon gives a nice kick. If you love heat, add more! If you want it milder, skip the cayenne. Taste as you go. This lets you find the right balance for your palate. Add depth with smoked paprika. It brings a warm, rich flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions brighten the dish. Mix them in before serving for freshness. Don’t forget to taste and tweak seasonings. A little salt can make a big difference. Experiment until it feels just right for you! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed for a spicy kick! Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy. Resting Time Matters: Allow the dirty rice to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together before serving. This enhances the dish's overall taste. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp and sausage for other proteins. Use diced chicken or turkey instead. For a richer flavor, try andouille sausage. If you want to use fish, choose firm types like cod. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Fish cooks faster than chicken or sausage. This keeps your dish moist and tasty. To make this dish plant-based, skip the meat and shrimp. Use plant-based sausage or tempeh for a protein boost. You can also add black beans or lentils for heartiness. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for depth. The spices and veggies will keep the flavor strong. Feel free to bulk up your dirty rice with more veggies. You can add diced carrots, zucchini, or corn. Mushrooms also add a nice umami flavor. Just sauté them with the other vegetables. This not only makes your dish colorful but also boosts the nutrition. Aim to keep a good balance with the rice and protein. Store leftover shrimp sausage dirty rice in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, you have a few options. The best way is to use the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice. Heat it in a pan over medium heat, stirring often until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can freeze shrimp sausage dirty rice for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it on defrost until thawed. Always make sure it’s hot before you eat it. Dirty rice is a classic dish from Louisiana. It combines rice with various meats, spices, and vegetables. The name comes from the color of the dish, which comes from the spices and meat. Traditionally, it includes ground meat, but we use shrimp and chicken sausage for a twist. This adds a rich flavor and texture to the rice. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This method is quick and keeps the shrimp from cooking unevenly. Once thawed, they will cook perfectly in your dirty rice. To make dirty rice milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also skip the Cajun seasoning if you want it even less spicy. Another great trick is to add more vegetables. Adding more onion, bell pepper, or celery can help balance the heat. Always taste as you go to find your perfect flavor. Yes, you can make dirty rice in advance. Cook it fully, then let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth while warming it up. This keeps it tasty and moist. This blog covered how to make Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice. We explored main ingredients like rice, shrimp, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation. You learned tips on adjusting texture and flavor. Variations offer options for different diets, too. Proper storage ensures your dish stays fresh. Enjoy your tasty creation and feel free to experiment with it. Cooking should be fun and flexible!

Spicy Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice

A flavorful and spicy dish combining shrimp, chicken sausage, and dirty rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200 g chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the cooked rice into the skillet, mixing well to combine all ingredients and flavors. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the dirty rice in bowls, topped with additional green onions and parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh touch.
Keyword Cajun, dirty rice, sausage, shrimp, spicy