Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp is a true Southern staple featuring tender red beans, juicy shrimp, and a thick, flavorful sauce made with aromatic spices.
Growing up in the South, Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp was a monthly tradition in our home—a true staple. It was hearty, affordable, and always satisfying. This recipe holds a special place in our hearts, blending rich, comforting flavors with the vibrant tastes of New Orleans. It’s an easy, delicious way to bring a bit of Southern soul to your kitchen!
Looking for more easy shrimp dinners? You'll want to try our Cajun Shrimp Scampi with Linguine and Jerk Shrimp Pasta.
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Recipe Highlights
- It's super easy to make
- Dinner is ready in under an hour
- The mild spice can be adjusted to your preferences making this a great family-friendly option.
- It's a one-pot meal which means minimal clean-up
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Shrimp - We use extra large shrimp for this recipe. Be sure to peel and devein before incorporating. You can add andouille sausage for added protein.
Green Bell Pepper - Use different color variations like orange or yellow bell peppers.
Cajun Seasoning - This works great in the recipe adding the perfect amount of spice. Using homemade cajun seasoning and cutting back on the cayenne is a great way to control the spice. Creole seasoning is commonly used in beans and rice and is a great substitute for adding more herb flavor.
Smoked Paprika - Adds the perfect smokiness. You can try chipotle powder which brings smokiness and spice.
Kidney Beans - Red beans are the perfect alternative to kidney beans. You can also substitute another bean like cannellini or black beans.
Chicken Broth - I prefer using low-sodium broth because the cajun seasoning is salted. You can add salt easier than taking it away.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp Step by Step
Step 1: In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water to a boil. Then add rice cover and simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Combine the shrimp and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Then mix until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy pot like a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink then set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add tomato paste, bay leaf, dried thyme, remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, beans, chicken broth, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 6: Using a spoon smash some of the kidney beans to thicken the sauce—season with salt and pepper to taste. Once thickened stir in the shrimp and serve over rice. Finish with a garnish of parsley.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker except the oil, shrimp, parsley, rice, and water. Cook on high for 1-2 hours or until the vegetables have softened or cook on low for 3-4 hours. Then add the shrimp in during the last 30 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and serve over cooked rice.
Tips
- Be sure to remove the shrimp before cooking the veggies and beans to avoid them being rubbery.
- Wait until the end to add salt. The broth, beans, and cajun seasoning are all salted. Adding additional salt could ruin the flavor.
- Control the thickness of the sauce by smashing only a few beans at a time with a wooden spoon.
Recipe Variations
- Add smoked sausage or bacon for added protein and heartiness
- Make it vegetarian by adding more beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also add tempeh or tofu in place of the shrimp.
- Mix in crab meat or crawfish for a seafood-packed version.
Ways to Serve Shrimp with Beans and Rice
- Try it with a side salad like this Orange Ginger Beetroot Salad or Butternut Beetroot and Feta Salad.
- Southern classics like cornbread, fried okra, or collard greens are great pairings.
- We frequently pair this with roasted Carrots and Asparagus or seasoned Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Common Questions
Yes, absolutely. You can soak overnight then simmer the beans in water for around 1 hour before adding to the recipe.
Yes. The beans and rice tastes great the next day because it's had time for the flavors to meld together. Keep the rice separate from the beans and shrimp mixture until you're ready to serve.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
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Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra large shrimp peeled, deveined and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil split
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 teaspoons cajun seasoning split
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley garnish
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rice cover and simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine the shrimp and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Mix until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy pot like a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink then set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, bay leaf, dried thyme, remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, beans, chicken broth, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Using a spoon smash some of the kidney beans to thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once thickened stir in the shrimp and serve over rice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Wait until the end to add salt. The broth, beans, and cajun seasoning are all salted. Adding additional salt could ruin the flavor.
- Control the thickness of the sauce by smashing only a few beans at a time with a wooden spoon.
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