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A close-up of a shrimp dirty rice skillet, brimming with colorful vegetables and spices.

Zesty Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet with Lemon & Herbs

This one-pan Zesty Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful meal featuring seasoned shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice brightened with lemon and herbs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasoning & Finishing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun/Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 Zest of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 Juice of lemon
  • Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them with ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Cooking the Rice
  1. Stir in minced garlic, the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast it slightly.
  3. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes until tender and absorbed; do not lift the lid during this time.
Finishing the Skillet
  1. After the rice has simmered, stir in the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
  2. Nest the seasoned shrimp directly on top of the rice, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  3. Remove from heat, squeeze ½ lemon juice over the top, and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.
  4. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water in the dish.