Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice

This Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish packed with juicy shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, all brought together with a Cajun kick! It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔ Bold Flavor – The Cajun seasoning adds a zesty kick to the shrimp and rice.
✔ Quick & Easy – A one-pan dish ready in 30 minutes or less.
✔ Customizable – Feel free to add or remove vegetables based on your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred mixed veggies)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make It:

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Fried Rice

1. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble until fully cooked, then mix them with the veggies.
2. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and soy sauce over the rice and mix well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes to warm everything through.
5. If desired, drizzle with hot sauce for extra spice.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice:

✔ Use day-old rice – Fresh rice can be too sticky, so using leftover rice helps achieve a better fried rice texture.
✔ Customize the veggies – Feel free to add mushrooms, corn, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
✔ Adjust the heat – Add more or less hot sauce to suit your taste, or skip it entirely for a milder dish.
✔ Cook shrimp just right – Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they’ll turn rubbery. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re pink and opaque.

Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the rice.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

This Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is a perfect blend of savory shrimp, colorful veggies, and spicy Cajun flavors—an easy dish the whole family will love!

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