Spicy Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp

Spicy Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp

I love a little touch of Louisiana magic in the kitchen. Heat, sweet, and fresh seafood always come to mind when I feel like paying homage to the great flavors of the Cajun and Creole communities of Louisiana. This Spicy Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp recipe combines nutrient-dense brown rice with succulent shrimp and a colorful medley of our onions, bell peppers, and celery aromatics – known as the “Cajun Holy Trinity!”

Our Dragon's Breath Rub & Seasoning adds a new twist on this staple, which infuses the dish with a bold, spicy kick from applewood smoked peppercorns that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. As the brown rice simmers in reduced-sodium chicken stock with fragrant and earthy bay leaves, it absorbs all the incredible flavors while providing a wholesome foundation rich in fiber and essential nutrients.

This one-pot wonder is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. The combination of lean protein from the shrimp, complex carbohydrates from the brown rice, and a variety of vegetables makes it a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied and energized. It's an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and well-being.

Serve this Spicy Dirty Brown Rice as a standalone dish for a hearty lunch or dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a true Southern feast, accompany it with cornbread or collard greens. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead. Garnished with fresh chopped scallions, each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the bayou.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups brown rice
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3½ cups chicken stock, unsalted
• 2 bay leaves, divided
• 1 TBSP s.a.l.t. sisters Dragon’s Breath Rub & Seasoning
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 scallions, chopped

Directions:

1. In a small pot, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the brown rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the chicken stock, 1 bay leaf, and Dragon’s Breath Rub & Seasoning to the pot with the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. In a large saucepan, heat 3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, celery, remaining bay leaf, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the saucepan with the vegetables. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. When the rice is done cooking, combine it with the cooked shrimp and vegetables in the saucepan. Toss everything together gently.
6. Top the Spicy Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp with chopped scallions before serving.

Note: Adjust the amount of Dragon’s Breath Rub & Seasoning according to your desired level of spiciness.