Cajun Dirty Rice Shrimp Sausage (Print View)

Hearty Cajun-style rice with spiced sausage, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables bursting with bold flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 8 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced
02 - 8 oz large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 5 oz chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)

→ Rice

04 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 spring onions, sliced for garnish

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
14 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Liquids

16 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or unsalted butter

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
03 - Add remaining oil to the pan. If using chicken livers, sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside with sausage.
04 - Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Stir in the rice and toast for 2 minutes, coating the grains in oil and aromatics.
06 - Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
07 - Return sausage and livers to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
08 - Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 more minutes, until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.
09 - Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and let rest for 5 minutes.
10 - Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bold and savory flavors from authentic Cajun seasonings.
  • A complete, satisfying meal cooked primarily in one pan.
  • Combines smoky andouille sausage with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the rice; it develops a nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate.
  • Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan when adding the broth to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits (fond).
  • Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the moisture to redistribute for the fluffiest results.
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