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Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice

4.1

(8)

Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice on a black plate placed on a wooden surface
Photograph by Heami Lee, food styling by Judy Kim, prop styling by Nicole Louie

A chunky blend of bell pepper, onion, and garlic adds not only flavor but welcome texture and color to this fried rice. Quickly blitzing the sofrito in a food processor ensures maximum weeknight ease.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    4–6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
4 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, divided
1 medium red or green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
½ cup vegetable oil
5 cups chilled cooked rice
Kosher salt (optional)
Cilantro leaves with tender stems (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toss 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, with 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning in a small bowl to combine.

    Step 2

    Pulse 1 medium red or green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, coarsely chopped, 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped, and 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, in a food processor until combined but still chunky.

    Step 3

    Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add pepper mixture and remaining 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until pepper mixture is softened, about 4 minutes. Add shrimp and cook, stirring often, until opaque, about 5 minutes. Add 5 cups chilled cooked rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, until rice is warmed through, about 4 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt if needed.

    Step 4

    Divide fried rice among plates and top with cilantro leaves with tender stems.

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