Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice

This fried rice gets its Southern-inspired twist from Cajun seasoning, which adds a beautiful mix of heat, garlic, herbs, and paprika. Paired with juicy shrimp, sautéed peppers and onions, and fluffy day-old rice, it’s a crave-worthy dish that takes minimal effort but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.

And yes, it works just as well with leftover rice. We love a fridge-cleanout dinner win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – On the table in 30 minutes or less
• One skillet = minimal dishes
• Full of bold Cajun flavor
• Customizable with any veggies or protein
• Meal-prep friendly and reheats like a dream

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~400
• Protein: 25g | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old, white or brown)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
• ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: green onions, lemon wedges, hot sauce for serving

Want it spicy? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Shrimp

• In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

Don’t overcook the shrimp! They’ll go rubbery. Cook just until done, then pull them off heat.

2. Scramble the Eggs

• Add a splash of oil or butter to the same skillet.
• Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
• Remove from skillet and set aside with the shrimp.

3. Sauté Veggies and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
• Add onions and bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add the Rice

• Add your cold, cooked rice to the pan.
• Stir and press it into the skillet to get some crispy bits (yum!).
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cold rice is key—it fries better and won’t get mushy.

5. Season the Rice

• Add soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Stir everything together until well coated and hot.

6. Combine Everything

• Return the shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan.
• Toss everything together and cook for another minute or two to combine flavors.
• Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun spice, salt, or a squeeze of lemon.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Top with chopped green onions or parsley.
• Serve hot with a wedge of lemon and hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.

How to Serve 🍽

This Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is perfect on its own, but you can also:

• Add a side of sautéed greens like kale or spinach
• Serve with a simple side salad for balance
• Top with a fried egg for even more richness
• Pair with a cold drink or iced tea for a complete meal

Bonus tip: Sprinkle with crispy fried shallots for a restaurant-style crunch.

Tips for Fried Rice Success

1. Use day-old rice – Fresh rice gets gummy. Cold rice = crispy, separated grains.
2. Pre-cook all components – Shrimp and eggs first, so you can stir-fry fast.
3. Use a big skillet or wok – More surface area = better browning.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan – It’s better to cook in batches if needed.
5. Taste and adjust – Cajun seasoning blends vary—make it your own.

Variations to Try

• Cajun Chicken Fried Rice – Swap shrimp for diced chicken breast or thigh.
• Spicy Veggie Version – Skip shrimp and add mushrooms, corn, and black beans.
• Low-carb twist – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice – Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of cream at the end.
• Pineapple Cajun Fried Rice – Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-spicy combo.

Storage & Meal Prep

Store:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or water to rehydrate.

Freeze:

• Freeze in meal-prep containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just thaw, pat dry, and season before cooking.

What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine or long grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice or basmati also work.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It depends on the brand! Some are mild, some bring the heat. Taste first and adjust.

Can I skip the eggs?
Totally! It’s still delicious without them.

How can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
It’s naturally dairy-free—just use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos if needed.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice is a spicy, satisfying, weeknight-ready meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. One skillet, big flavor, and all the textures you love—fluffy rice, tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and bold seasoning in every bite.

Make it once and you’ll be hooked. Tag me in your spicy skillet creations—I need to see that shrimp sizzle!