Blackened shrimp with dirty rice and Cajun slaw
Cajun Shrimp Bowl
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
4 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Cajun Shrimp Bowl
Blackened shrimp with dirty rice and Cajun slaw
★4.4(15)
Spicy blackened shrimp over creamy Cajun dirty rice with a tangy coleslaw, charred okra, and a drizzle of remoulade. A taste of New Orleans in bowl form.
15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This bowl brings the heat and soul of Cajun cuisine to your meal prep rotation. Blackened shrimp cooks in just 3 minutes per side, making this a lightning-fast bowl to assemble.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tossed with Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups long-grain rice cooked with chicken broth, diced celery, onion, and green pepper
- 2 cups shredded cabbage tossed with apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sugar
- 1 cup okra, halved and charred (optional)
- 3 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp Creole mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce for remoulade
- Lemon wedges and sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano).
- 2
Cook dirty rice: sauté diced onion, celery, and green pepper, then cook rice in chicken broth.
- 3
Sear seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet with butter for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
- 4
Mix shredded cabbage with vinegar and sugar for a quick tangy slaw.
- 5
Build bowls with dirty rice, blackened shrimp, slaw, charred okra, and drizzle with remoulade.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
ShrimpChicken breast strips or andouille sausage
Slice sausage into coins and pan-fry
Dirty riceCauliflower rice for low-carb
Sauté with the same aromatics and broth
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a cast-iron skillet for the best blackened crust on the shrimp.
Pat shrimp very dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy sear rather than steaming.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Microwave rice for 2 minutes; reheat shrimp briefly or enjoy cold on the slaw.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (220mg) · 4 servings
Calories460
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates52g
Fat36g
Fiber780mg
Sugar3g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
- It varies—start with 1 tbsp and adjust cayenne to your preference.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, thaw completely under cold running water and pat dry before seasoning.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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