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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained For this dish, I use large shrimp, about one pound. They soak up the spice well and cook fast. Cajun seasoning adds a kick. Just one tablespoon is enough to make a big impact. Olive oil is great for sautéing, and two tablespoons keep everything from sticking. Next, I add vegetables. I like to use one medium onion, diced finely. It gives a nice base flavor. A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. I also use three cloves of garlic, minced for a strong aroma. Now, let's talk rice and liquids. I prefer long-grain white rice, one cup is perfect. It cooks well and stays fluffy. For the liquid, I use two cups of chicken broth. This adds depth. I also toss in one can of diced tomatoes, undrained, to keep things moist and flavorful. This mix of ingredients makes my one-pot spicy Cajun shrimp and rice a hit! - Marinating the shrimp First, take 1 pound of large shrimp. Place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss the shrimp well until each one is coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavor. - Sautéing vegetables Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced medium onion and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies soft and slightly clear. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 more minute. The garlic will smell great! - Incorporating rice and liquids Now, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir it often for about 2 minutes. This helps toast the rice and keeps it from sticking. Then, carefully pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything well and turn the heat up until it starts to boil. - Simmering the dish Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice should be almost done and soak up most of the liquid. - Adding shrimp and peas After simmering, gently fold in the marinated shrimp and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cover the pot again and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. - Seasoning to taste Taste your dish now. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Mix it well to combine the flavors. - Resting time before serving Finally, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together. Serve it in bowls and enjoy! - To ensure shrimp is tender, cook them just until pink. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. - Avoiding overcooked rice is key. Keep an eye on the simmering time to retain texture. - Adjusting spice levels is easy. Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for heat. - Incorporating additional herbs, like thyme or basil, can brighten the dish. Fresh herbs add more flavor. - For serving, use shallow bowls. This allows the vibrant colors to shine. - Garnishing techniques matter. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Adding a lemon wedge can enhance the meal's brightness. {{image_4}} You can change the seafood in this dish. Try scallops or crab for a twist. You can even use fish if you prefer. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. For grains, swap long-grain rice with quinoa or farro. They add a unique texture. Quinoa is also gluten-free, which is a bonus. To make this dish gluten-free, just check the broth. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure safety. This keeps the flavors intact without using gluten. For a vegetarian option, skip the shrimp. Use mushrooms for a meaty feel. You can add chickpeas for protein. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. Want more heat? Add diced chili peppers to the mix. Jalapeños or serranos work well. This amps up the spice level and adds depth to the dish. You can also experiment with different spice blends. Try Creole seasoning for a different flavor. Each blend brings its own unique taste, so feel free to explore! To store your One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents odors. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to check for any off smells before serving. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you use the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the rice's texture and shrimp’s tenderness. You can cook this dish in about 30 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. The rice cooks while the shrimp absorbs all that delicious flavor. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. You can prepare the shrimp and season them in advance. However, it’s best to cook the rice fresh for the best texture. If you want to store it, keep it in the fridge and reheat it later. To adjust the spice level, start with less Cajun seasoning. You can always add more later. For extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This blog post covered how to make one-pot spicy Cajun shrimp and rice. We discussed key ingredients like shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and rice. I detailed step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. Tips helped ensure perfect texture and flavor. We also explored variations for dietary needs and storage options. Enjoy this dish and make it your own! The blend of flavors and simple method will impress anyone at your table.

One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Spice up your dinner with this one-pot spicy Cajun shrimp and rice recipe! Perfectly seasoned shrimp, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice come together in just 30 minutes for a delicious meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and full of flavors, this recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Toss them gently until each shrimp is fully coated in the seasoning, then set aside to marinate briefly.

    In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.

      Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic fragrance.

        Incorporate the uncooked rice into the pot, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

          Carefully pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is almost fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Gently fold in the marinated shrimp and frozen peas. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.

                Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Once seasoned, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls, beautifully garnished with fresh parsley for color, and add a wedge of lemon on the side for a refreshing burst of brightness with each bite.