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📝 Introduction

Dirty rice is a classic Louisiana Creole dish traditionally made with white rice, ground meats, and a flavorful mix of herbs and spices. It’s called “dirty” because the rice takes on a deep color from the meat and seasoning. In this elevated version, we’re stacking succulent Cajun shrimp on top of the rice for a stunning presentation and even more flavor.

This dish is smoky, spicy, savory, and guaranteed to become a favorite. You can serve it as a main course or a hearty side.

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🧄 Ingredients

For the Dirty Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ lb ground beef or ground pork
• ¼ lb chicken livers (optional but traditional), finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Juice of ½ lemon

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dirty Rice Mix

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef (and chicken livers if using). Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine, allowing it to absorb all the flavors for 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in green onions and parsley. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

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🍽️ Method: Assembling the Stack

1. Use a ring mold (or clean tuna can with both ends removed) to shape the rice into a neat cylinder on each plate.
2. Carefully press the dirty rice into the mold, then lift the mold to hold its shape.
3. Arrange 4–5 shrimp on top of each rice stack.
4. Garnish with extra parsley, a wedge of lemon, or a drizzle of hot sauce or remoulade if desired.

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🔥 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell pepper—this is the flavor base of Cajun cooking.
• For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Want it saucy? Serve with a side of spicy remoulade or garlic aioli.

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🥂 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Stacked Shrimp Dirty Rice with:

• A crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
• Buttery cornbread
• A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette

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