Cajun Dirty Rice Shrimp Sausage

Cajun Dirty Rice is a soulful centerpiece of Southern Louisiana cooking, bringing together the smokiness of andouille sausage and the sweetness of succulent shrimp. This hearty meal features fluffy rice tossed with aromatic vegetables and bold Cajun spices for a comforting experience in every bite, perfect for a family dinner that feels like a celebration.

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The secret to this dish's depth is the 'holy trinity'—onion, green bell pepper, and celery—sautéed until they form a fragrant, softened base. While the addition of chicken livers is optional, it provides the traditional earthy character that historically gives this rice its name and authentic depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) smoked andouille sausage, sliced
• 225 g (8 oz) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 150 g (5 oz) chicken livers, finely chopped (optional for authentic dirty rice)
• 200 g (1 cup) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 480 ml (2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3

Add remaining oil. If using chicken livers, sauté them for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside with sausage.

Step 4

Add onion, bell pepper, and celery (the holy trinity) to the pan. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Stir in the rice and toast for 2 minutes, coating grains in oil and aromatics.

Step 6

Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 7

Return sausage (and livers, if using) 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.

Step 8

Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 5–7 more minutes, until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.

Step 9

Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Garnish with spring onions. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, always rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy. Toasting the grains in the pan for a few minutes before adding the broth adds a subtle nuttiness and helps each grain stay separate and fluffy after cooking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the chicken livers with finely chopped mushrooms and omit the sausage and shrimp, using vegetable broth instead. If you want more heat, don't be afraid to increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty dish with a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten the bold spices. It pairs beautifully with a cold lager or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which offers a crisp contrast to the smoky and spicy notes of the andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning.

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This Cajun Dirty Rice with Juicy Shrimp and Sausage is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of Southern comfort in every spoonful. Gather your friends and family, serve it straight from the cast-iron skillet, and enjoy a vibrant taste of the Bayou that is as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it remains fluffy and separate when cooked, perfectly absorbing the bold flavors.

→ Can I substitute the sausage with a different protein?

Yes, smoked andouille sausage provides distinctive spice, but kielbasa or chorizo can be used for a similar smoky flavor.

→ How do the vegetables contribute to the dish?

Onion, bell pepper, and celery create a flavorful base by softening and releasing their aromas, complementing the smoky meats and spices.

→ Is it necessary to cook the shrimp separately?

The shrimp cook gently on top of the rice during the last few minutes, preserving their juiciness and tender texture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste, adding more for extra heat or less for milder flavors.