Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice

Short description

A zesty, flavor-packed twist on classic fried rice, featuring Cajun‑seasoned shrimp, colorful vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice—ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cajun flavor: Shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning brings a spicy, smoky kick.
• One‑pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet or wok—easy cleanup.
• Colorful & nutritious: Packed with veggies like bell pepper, peas, carrots, and green onions.
• Flexible & fast: Great for using leftover rice, and you can adjust spice or swap proteins easily.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day‑old)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced
• 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Season shrimp: Toss peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Cook shrimp: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over medium‑high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté veggies: Add remaining oil to the pan. Cook onion and bell pepper 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Add peas & carrots: Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking 2–3 minutes until warmed.
5. Stir in rice: Add jasmine rice, breaking up clumps, and stir to mix with vegetables.
6. Flavor it: Pour in soy sauce, season with salt and pepper, and stir‑fry about 5 minutes until rice is hot and slightly crispy on the bottom.
7. Combine shrimp: Fold the shrimp back into the rice until heated through.
8. Garnish & serve: Top with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 generous portions.
• Prep time: ~10 minutes.
• Cook time: ~15–20 minutes.
• Total time: ~25–30 minutes.

Variations

• Extra heat: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Veggie boost: Stir in mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas.
• Protein swap: Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of shrimp.
• Low‑sodium: Use low‑sodium soy sauce and reduce Cajun seasoning for lighter salt.
• Citrus touch: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer: Best to freeze in individual portions; thaw overnight and reheat as above.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?

Yes—but freshly cooked rice may clump more. Spread it on a tray to cool and dry before using for best results.

2. How spicy is it?

Moderately spicy—Cajun seasoning adds heat but you can adjust by reducing or increasing it.

3. Can I prep this ahead?

Yes—cook rice and prep veggies/shrimp in advance; stir-fry everything together when ready.

4. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Mix paprika, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper for a DIY blend.

5. Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice?

Yes—use day-old brown rice or cauliflower rice (cook shorter, as cauliflower rice needs less time).

6. Is soy sauce necessary?

It adds umami and salt—use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free, or reduce if sensitive to sodium.

7. How do I avoid soggy vegetables?

Cook onions and peppers until just tender and quickly add frozen peas/carrots to prevent overcooking.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just use a larger skillet or wok and adjust seasoning accordingly.

9. Any garnish alternatives?

Try cilantro, basil, sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime for extra flavor.

10. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Not recommended—the mix needs frequent stirring to fry evenly and develop crispy bits.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavorful one‑pan meal that combines spicy Cajun shrimp, crisp veggies, and savory rice for a satisfying dinner any night of the week. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and sure to impress—spice up your dinner tonight!

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