Classic Cajun Shrimp & Wild Rice Skillet
This flavorful Classic Cajun Shrimp & Wild Rice Skillet combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with a hearty wild rice blend cooked with aromatic vegetables and Cajun spices. It's a satisfying and easy-to-make one-pan meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Big skillet
- Medium bowl
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning blend
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Wild Rice Skillet Base
- Wild rice blend
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Diced bell peppers red, green, or yellow
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Diced celery
- Cajun seasoning
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Butter or olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Wild Rice
- Wash wild rice, then melt butter or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
Cook the Rice
- Add the washed wild rice and broth to the skillet with a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook according to package directions (40-60 minutes) until tender and liquid is absorbed.
Season and Cook the Shrimp
- While rice cooks, pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until coated. Heat another skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, cooking in batches if necessary.
Combine and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf from the cooked wild rice. Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the wild rice mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, lemon wedges, and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are thoroughly patted dry for better searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and brown well. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.