Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice
Spicy blackened shrimp served over aromatic Cajun-seasoned rice, capturing Gulf Coast flavors with a smoky kick. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the blackening spice.
- Step 2: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil and the blackening spice until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until blackened and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 5: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 6: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to coat the rice.
- Step 7: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 8: Fluff rice with a fork and serve topped with the blackened shrimp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Blackened Gulf Coast Shrimp with Cajun Rice?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
