ADVERTISEMENT
### **For the Cajun Steak:**
1. **Steak** – Choose your favorite cut of steak, such as **ribeye**, **sirloin**, or **New York strip**. The key is to select a cut that you enjoy and is tender enough to cook quickly.
2. **Cajun Seasoning** – You can use the same seasoning blend for both the shrimp and steak, ensuring consistency in flavor.
3. **Butter or Olive Oil** – For cooking the steak and creating a rich, flavorful crust.
4. **Garlic** – Fresh minced garlic can be added for extra flavor when cooking the steak.
### **For the Rice:**
1. **Long-Grain White Rice** – Provides the perfect base for the dish. You can use other types of rice, such as **brown rice** or **jasmine rice**, but long-grain white rice works best for this recipe.
2. **Chicken Broth** – Adds flavor to the rice as it cooks. You can substitute with vegetable broth or water if needed.
3. **Cajun Seasoning** – A pinch of Cajun seasoning will be added to the rice to tie all the flavors together.
4. **Onion and Bell Pepper** – These vegetables add flavor and color to the rice, giving it an aromatic, savory base.
## Step-by-Step Instructions for Cajun Shrimp, Steak & Rice
### **Step 1: Cook the Rice**
Start by preparing the rice. Rinse 1 cup of **long-grain white rice** under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium-sized pot, add the rice and 2 cups of **chicken broth** (or water if you prefer). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add a pinch of **Cajun seasoning** to the rice while it cooks to give it an extra boost of flavor.
### **Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp**
While the rice is cooking, season the **shrimp** with **Cajun seasoning**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add a squeeze of **fresh lemon juice** to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind from the shrimp. This will add extra depth to the dish.
### **Step 3: Cook the Steak**
Season your **steak** with the remaining **Cajun seasoning**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** or **butter** in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak to the pan and sear it for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook to an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), or adjust according to your preference.
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
### **Step 4: Combine the Dish**
Now that the shrimp, steak, and rice are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or olive oil and sauté **onions** and **bell peppers** for a few minutes until softened. Add the cooked rice to the pan and toss everything together. You can also add more **Cajun seasoning** to taste at this point if you’d like to increase the flavor intensity.
To serve, plate the seasoned rice first, top it with the **Cajun steak strips** and **shrimp**, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for an extra burst of color and flavor.
## Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp, Steak & Rice
1. **Choose Your Steak Wisely**: The steak is a key component of this dish, so be sure to choose a cut that you love. Ribeye or sirloin works particularly well, but you can also use flank steak or strip steak if that’s your preference.
2. **Adjust the Spice Level**: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of **cayenne pepper** or **paprika** in the Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, if you enjoy a lot of heat, feel free to amp up the spice by adding extra cayenne or hot sauce.
3. **Cook the Steak to Your Preference**: Steak doneness is personal, so feel free to cook the steak to your liking. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer can help ensure you cook the steak to your desired temperature.
4. **Use Fresh Shrimp**: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.
5. **Serve with Vegetables**: For extra nutrition and color, you can add more vegetables to the rice or sauté some **spinach**, **zucchini**, or **mushrooms** to serve alongside the dish.
## Conclusion
**Cajun Shrimp, Steak & Rice** is a delicious, dynamic meal that brings together the best of both worlds: perfectly cooked shrimp and tender steak, all seasoned with the bold flavors of Cajun spices and served over flavorful rice. The balance of heat, savory depth, and sweetness from the spices will have your taste buds in overdrive.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special meal for your family, or simply craving something new for dinner tonight, this recipe has got you covered. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. So, get ready to discover a flavorful dinner that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
