Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Cajun-seasoned shrimp bowl served over fluffy white rice. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup uncooked white rice according to package instructions until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, toss 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper and 1/4 cup diced red onion; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp and vegetables over the cooked white rice immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl?

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 Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Bowl?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes