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To make this tasty Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup frozen corn - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste For a fresh touch, you can add: - Fresh parsley, chopped Here’s what you will need to cook this dish: - A large skillet - A mixing bowl - A wooden spoon or spatula - A measuring cup - A knife and cutting board Start by taking your shrimp and placing them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss the shrimp until they are well coated. Let them sit for a moment while you get the other ingredients ready. Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. You will smell that great garlic aroma! Now it's time to add the rice. Pour in 1 cup of long-grain rice and stir it into the oil and veggies. Let it cook for about 2 minutes. This light toasting gives the rice a nice flavor. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet. Then add 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of frozen corn. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will cook the rice and soak up all those flavors. After the rice is tender, gently fold in the marinated shrimp. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; they cook fast! Once the shrimp are cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as you like. This is your chance to make it just right! Fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything up. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve this dish hot and enjoy the flavors of Cajun cooking! To cook shrimp just right, focus on timing. Shrimp cook fast. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough. Use medium heat for even cooking. If you’re unsure, taste one! It should be tender and juicy. Cajun food can be spicy. Start with less seasoning if you’re not sure. You can always add more later. Taste as you cook. If it’s too spicy, add a bit of sugar or more rice to balance the heat. Remember, food should be fun, not painful! Fluffy rice is key to this dish. Rinse the rice before cooking. This removes extra starch. Use the right liquid ratio. For long-grain rice, the standard is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of broth. Let it simmer gently. Don’t lift the lid too early; let it steam! Fluff with a fork after cooking for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can easily add more proteins to this dish. Chicken, sausage, or fish work great here. Just cut chicken into small pieces. Sauté it along with the veggies. If you’re using sausage, slice it and add it in the same step. For fish, add it after the rice cooks and let it simmer. Each protein adds its unique flavor to the skillet. To make a vegan version, replace shrimp with tofu or chickpeas. Tofu should be cubed and pressed to remove extra water. Sauté it until golden before adding the rice. For chickpeas, simply add them in with the tomatoes and corn. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or spinach. This keeps the dish hearty and tasty. Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have. Carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms can add nice flavors. Just remember to chop them small to cook evenly. You can also use frozen mixed veggies if you're short on time. This makes the dish quick and still very colorful. After making Cajun shrimp rice skillet, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. If you want to save the skillet for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, use plastic wrap or foil for extra protection. When you're ready to enjoy it again, take the container from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it is heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to your dish. This keeps them from getting watery. You can add many vegetables. Try zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Each brings a new flavor and texture. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking. To add heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook. Use about 45 minutes instead of 15. Add extra broth to help it cook through. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot. This blog post covered the key steps to make a delicious shrimp dish. I shared important ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You can easily add variations to suit your taste. Remember, proper storage keeps your dish fresh and tasty. I hope you feel ready to create this meal yourself, and enjoy experimenting with flavors. Your kitchen adventure starts now!

Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the bold flavors of this Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Cajun seasoning for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish serves four and is ready in just 35 minutes. Don't miss out on bringing a taste of the South to your table! Click to explore the full recipe now! #CajunShrimp #OnePanMeals #EasyRecipes #DinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup frozen corn

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare the other ingredients.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and vegetable mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.

        Add Liquid and Veggies: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Cook the Shrimp: After the rice is done cooking, gently fold in the marinated shrimp. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

            Season to Taste: Remove the skillet from heat and taste, seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired.

              Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4