Cajun Dirty Rice Shrimp Sausage (Printable Version)

Fluffy rice mixed with spiced sausage, succulent shrimp, and aromatic veggies for a bold Southern meal.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ 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 - 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

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. 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 grains in oil and aromatics.
06 - Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
07 - 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.
08 - Arrange the shrimp on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, 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. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinner feel like you've actually done something impressive.
  • The shrimp and sausage create this contrast where you get smokiness and sweetness in the same bite, which honestly keeps you coming back for seconds.
  • It's forgiving enough for a cooking beginner but has enough going on that it never feels boring, no matter how often you make it.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice; it's the difference between fluffy individual grains and a starchy paste that makes you regret your choices.
  • The shrimp go on top of the rice, not stirred in, because they cook in about 6 minutes and if you bury them in the middle they'll overcook and turn rubbery.
  • Tasting as you go and adjusting spices before everything is finished cooking saves you from a dish that's either too bland or too spicy to eat.
03 -
  • If you like more heat, add the cayenne to taste rather than starting at the suggested amount—some people like a gentle warmth, others want genuine fire, and there's no wrong answer.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce at the end brightens everything and cuts through the richness in a way that makes you reach for another bite.
  • Leftover dirty rice actually improves after a day in the fridge as the flavors continue to meld, making this great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
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