Cajun Bayou Shrimp & Rice

Cajun Bayou Shrimp & Rice is a bold and comforting Southern-inspired dinner loaded with juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, onions, and plenty of Cajun seasoning. Everything comes together in one skillet for an easy meal that’s packed with smoky, savory flavor and just the right amount of spice.

🍤 Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Cajun seasoning, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Toss until evenly coated.

2. Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and lightly golden.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Don’t fully cook the shrimp at this stage because they will finish cooking later.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers.

Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet.

Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and coat it with the seasoned vegetables.

5. Add the Seasonings and Liquid

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

6. Cook the Rice

Reduce the heat to low.

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for approximately 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently because the trapped steam helps cook the rice evenly.

7. Add the Shrimp

Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.

Nestle the partially cooked shrimp into the rice.

Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.

Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.

8. Rest and Garnish

Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Serve with lemon wedges.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern-inspired

💡 Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp & Rice

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
• Toast the rice: A quick toast adds extra nuttiness and flavor.
• Use long-grain rice: It stays fluffy and works especially well for skillet rice dishes.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning: Some blends are much saltier and hotter than others.
• Let the rice rest: Five minutes of covered resting gives the rice time to finish steaming.
• Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the rich Cajun flavors.

🌶️ How to Adjust the Spice

For a mild version, use 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and skip additional cayenne or hot sauce.

For medium heat, follow the recipe as written.

For a spicy version, add:

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Extra Cajun seasoning
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
• Sliced jalapeños

🥓 Optional Add-Ins

Make this skillet even heartier with:

• Andouille sausage
• Smoked sausage
• Crawfish
• Diced chicken
• Bacon
• Corn
• Celery
• Okra

For a classic Cajun-style combination, add sliced Andouille sausage along with the vegetables.

🍽️ What to Serve With Cajun Bayou Shrimp & Rice

This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Coleslaw
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• Simple garden salad
• Southern-style greens

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Bayou Shrimp & Rice brings together tender shrimp, fluffy seasoned rice, sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and bold Cajun spices in one easy skillet. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for a quick Southern-inspired dinner when you want something with a little extra kick.