Shrimp Red Beans and Rice Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal, look no further than this Shrimp Red Beans and Rice recipe. This classic dish brings the vibrant tastes of New Orleans right to your kitchen, combining tender red kidney beans, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices.

Author: Balancing Bowls

Meal Type: Milk Free

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 692 kcal per serving

Ingredients

1 lb - dried red kidney beans
10 cups - water
1 tbsp - olive oil
1 - sweet onion
1 - green bell pepper
2 ribs - celery
3 cloves - garlic
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 shrimp
3 cups - white rice
2 tablespoons - fresh parsley
3 - green onions
Hot sauce

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!

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