From the Cook

1/3

Shrimp Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Balancing Bowls Verified

Balancingbowls.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Shrimp Red Beans and Rice Recipe

1 lb dried red kidney beans

10 cups water

1 tbsp olive oil

1 sweet oniondiced

1 green bell pepperdiced

2 ribs celerydiced

3 cloves garlicminced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp liquid smoke

1 dried Thai chili

2 bay leaves

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 lb frozen shrimpdefrosted, peeled, and deveined

3 cups white ricecooked

Optional

2 tablespoons fresh parsleychopped

3 green onionssliced

Hot sauceto taste (optional)

Instructions

Visit Blog

Instructions

Soak the Beans: Place the dried red kidney beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight, then drain and rinse.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Beans and Liquids: Add the soaked beans, water, dried Thai chili, and bay leaves to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Simmer the Beans: Reduce heat to low heat, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Rice: While the beans are simmering, cook the white rice according to package instructions.

Thicken the Beans: After 1 hour, remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the mixture.

Add the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves and dried Thai chili. Serve the shrimp and beans over the cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Soak Beans Overnight for Better Texture 🫘
Soak dried red kidney beans for 8-12 hours before cooking to reduce cooking time by half and ensure creamy, evenly-cooked beans without mushiness.
Build Your Flavor Base with the Holy Trinity 🧅
Sauté the diced celery, green bell pepper, and sweet onion for 5-7 minutes until softened before adding beans and seasonings to develop a deep, authentic Creole foundation.
Add Shrimp at the Perfect Moment ⏱️
Add frozen shrimp only in the final 3-4 minutes of cooking—this prevents overcooking and maintains their tender, succulent texture since they cook extremely quickly.
Bloom Your Spices in Hot Oil 🌶️
Toast the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried Thai chili in hot olive oil for 30-45 seconds before adding aromatics to unlock their full flavor potential and eliminate any raw spice taste.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Acid for Brightness 🍋
Stir in fresh parsley and green onions in the last minute, then add a splash of apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness and brighten the dish's complex, smoky flavors.