This sweet, spicy, and tangy Air Fryer Bang Bang shrimp recipe is fast, delicious, and serves as either a main course or an appetizer. Minimal prep is needed, and this yummy recipe is made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Recipe
I absolutely love this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe . It reminds me so much of Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp but made in the comfort of your own kitchen! It’s bursting with flavor and you truly can’t wait to say the name a few times when making and serving it.
This seafood air fryer recipe is perfect to serve as an appetizer or part of a main course . With just 30 minutes hands off cooking time, this low carb recipe is gluten-free , nut-free and high protein .
Why Is It Called Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp got its name from the perfect spicy kick that you get from the delicious sauce the shrimp is coated in. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not over-the-top spicy, but has just enough of a kick to make it a bite that will keep you coming back for more!
What Does Bang Bang Shrimp Taste Like?
Bang Bang Shrimp has a crisp, juicy, and creamy flavor combination that’s both sweet and spicy.
The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden and crunchy, then coated in a rich, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha.
The result is a perfect balance of creamy heat, subtle sweetness, and savory depth, with each bite delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, flavorful kick. It’s an addictive, restaurant-style dish that’s both bold and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp - The main protein of the dish; shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, turning tender and juicy with a crisp exterior.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Rice Flour - Used to coat the shrimp lightly before air frying, creating a delicate, crispy crust that helps the sauce cling better.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances the flavors.
- Cooking Oil Spray - Helps the shrimp crisp up evenly in the air fryer without excess oil, giving that perfect golden texture.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise - Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, adding richness and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce - Provides a sweet and tangy flavor with a mild heat that defines the dish’s signature taste.
- 2–4 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce - Adds customizable spice and a touch of garlicky depth, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic - Infuses the sauce with a savory aroma and a punch of flavor that ties all the components together.
The sauce not only contains sweet chili sauce but, it also contains sriracha sauce . It only takes a tiny bit of sriracha sauce to set your tongue on fire. This is a great mix of sweet and spicy.
You can adjust the spices as needed of course. In my house, that means a lot of spice! So this can be either mild enough for the whole family, or a perfect spicy dish for those who love spicy food.
Equipment You May Need
- An Air Fryer
- Silicone tongs for flipping the shrimp
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This air fryer shrimp recipe is probably one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made. It takes very little preparation and only half an hour to cook.
Of course, since it’s made in the air fryer, you don’t have to sit and watch it or flip it, etc.
Just take a few minutes to throw this delicious recipe together then pop it in the air fryer and go about your business until it tells you you’re ready to eat.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce , sriracha sauce and garlic.
- Prepare the coating. In a medium bowl or a plastic ziptop bag, toss together the shrimp, cornstarch and salt until the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch or rice flour.
- Add to the air fryer. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in as flat a layer as possible. You may want to use a rack, and place half the shrimp in the basket and the other half on the rack.
- Coat with oil. Spray well with additional oil.
- Air fry. Set the air fryer to 330F and cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through and spraying with additional oil.
- Toss with sauce. Remove the shrimp and toss into the bowl with the half sauce. Set the other half of the sauce aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
- Finish in the air fryer. Put the shrimp back into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 330F for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has formed a glaze. Serve with the sauce.
Tips and Tricks
Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is simple, but a few key tips can help you achieve shrimp that are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfectly coated in that irresistible creamy sauce. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Serve as soon as they are ready as they will not keep terribly well once you dip them in the sauce
- You can make bang bang shrimp tacos by adding a little shredded cabbage, tucking these into tortillas, and drizzling some more sauce over the top
- Make double the sauce as it will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
- Adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your tastes.
Variations
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is easy to customize, and with a few simple twists, you can create new versions that suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Lightened-Up Version - Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lower-fat alternative that still keeps the sauce creamy.
- Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp - Coat the shrimp in a mix of cornstarch and shredded coconut before air frying for a tropical twist.
- Sweet and Smoky - Add a drizzle of honey and a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for a rich, complex flavor.
How Long Does It Last?
These Bang Bang Shrimp are best served as soon as they are made so that they are nice and crispy. If you need to, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge - keep the shrimp and sauce separate.
Reheat the shrimp either in the oven at 375F for 10 minutes, flipping half way through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, but it’s best to freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the sauce to maintain their crispy texture.
After air frying, let the shrimp cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer until hot and crispy, then toss them with freshly made Bang Bang sauce just before serving.
What To Eat With Bang Bang Shrimp?
These tasty shrimp are perfect served as an app with the sauce, but you can also make them into a fuller meal and serve with rice , salad , veggie and potato side dishes . Try them with:
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
- Beet Salad
- Savory Potato Patties
- Shwarma Green Beans
Other Shrimp Recipes To Enjoy
Shrimp Scampi
- Are you a big fan of shrimp? Then you need to try out my Air Fried Salt and Pepper Shrimp ! They’re super easy to make, delightfully crunchy and gluten-free.
- Another fantastic shrimp recipe is my Keto Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi . Just like most air fryer recipes, it’s really easy to make and it’s so delicious you won’t believe it!
- My Mediterranean Shrimp With Feta and Olives is a fast, delicious, and easy recipe made with shrimp, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
- My Air Fryer Pork Chops is another fantastic air fryer recipe and is quite possibly the best way to cook pork chops!
- This Shrimp and Asparagus Gribiche is a delicious meal with shrimp, fresh asparagus topped with a gribiche sauce. It’s quick, easy and keto!
- This Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice is easily made in the Air Fryer in about 30 minutes!
When cooked right, the texture and flavor of shrimp can be quite delicious. Bang Bang Shrimp might just become your favorite way to eat shrimp. You can always attempt other meat options if desired as this sauce is perfect either way.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp
Equipment
- Ninja Air Fryer
- Silicone Tongs
- OVAL MEASURING SPOONS
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) Raw Shrimp , peeled and deveined
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) cornstarch or rice flour
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
- ▢ Cooking Oil Spray
For the Sauce
- ▢ 1/2 cup ( 112 g ) mayonnaise
- ▢ 1/4 cup ( 37.5 g ) Thai sweet chili sauce
- ▢ 2-4 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Sriracha Sauce
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Minced Garlic
Instructions
For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce and garlic.
For the shrimp: In a medium bowl or a plastic ziptop bag, toss together the shrimp, cornstarch and salt until the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch or rice flour.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in as flat a layer as possible. You may want to use a rack, and place half the shrimp in the basket and the other half on the rack.
Spray well with additional oil.
Set the air fryer to 330F and cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through and spraying with additional oil.
Remove the shrimp and toss into the bowl with the half sauce. Set the other half of the sauce aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
Put the shrimp back into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 330F for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has formed a glaze. Serve with the sauce.
Serve as soon as they are ready as they will not keep terribly well once you dip them in the sauce
You can make bang bang shrimp tacos by adding a little shredded cabbage, tucking these into tortillas, and drizzling some more sauce over the top
You can use the same technique for bang bang chicken . Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, and proceed as directed for the shrimp
Make double the sauce as it will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
Adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your tastes.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
This sweet, spicy, and tangy Air Fryer Bang Bang shrimp recipe is fast, delicious, and serves as either a main course or an appetizer. Minimal prep is needed, and this yummy recipe is made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Recipe
I absolutely love this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe . It reminds me so much of Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp but made in the comfort of your own kitchen! It’s bursting with flavor and you truly can’t wait to say the name a few times when making and serving it.
This seafood air fryer recipe is perfect to serve as an appetizer or part of a main course . With just 30 minutes hands off cooking time, this low carb recipe is gluten-free , nut-free and high protein .
Why Is It Called Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp got its name from the perfect spicy kick that you get from the delicious sauce the shrimp is coated in. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not over-the-top spicy, but has just enough of a kick to make it a bite that will keep you coming back for more!
What Does Bang Bang Shrimp Taste Like?
Bang Bang Shrimp has a crisp, juicy, and creamy flavor combination that’s both sweet and spicy.
The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden and crunchy, then coated in a rich, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha.
The result is a perfect balance of creamy heat, subtle sweetness, and savory depth, with each bite delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, flavorful kick. It’s an addictive, restaurant-style dish that’s both bold and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp - The main protein of the dish; shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, turning tender and juicy with a crisp exterior.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Rice Flour - Used to coat the shrimp lightly before air frying, creating a delicate, crispy crust that helps the sauce cling better.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances the flavors.
- Cooking Oil Spray - Helps the shrimp crisp up evenly in the air fryer without excess oil, giving that perfect golden texture.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise - Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, adding richness and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce - Provides a sweet and tangy flavor with a mild heat that defines the dish’s signature taste.
- 2–4 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce - Adds customizable spice and a touch of garlicky depth, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic - Infuses the sauce with a savory aroma and a punch of flavor that ties all the components together.
The sauce not only contains sweet chili sauce but, it also contains sriracha sauce . It only takes a tiny bit of sriracha sauce to set your tongue on fire. This is a great mix of sweet and spicy.
You can adjust the spices as needed of course. In my house, that means a lot of spice! So this can be either mild enough for the whole family, or a perfect spicy dish for those who love spicy food.
Equipment You May Need
- An Air Fryer
- Silicone tongs for flipping the shrimp
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This air fryer shrimp recipe is probably one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made. It takes very little preparation and only half an hour to cook.
Of course, since it’s made in the air fryer, you don’t have to sit and watch it or flip it, etc.
Just take a few minutes to throw this delicious recipe together then pop it in the air fryer and go about your business until it tells you you’re ready to eat.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce , sriracha sauce and garlic.
- Prepare the coating. In a medium bowl or a plastic ziptop bag, toss together the shrimp, cornstarch and salt until the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch or rice flour.
- Add to the air fryer. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in as flat a layer as possible. You may want to use a rack, and place half the shrimp in the basket and the other half on the rack.
- Coat with oil. Spray well with additional oil.
- Air fry. Set the air fryer to 330F and cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through and spraying with additional oil.
- Toss with sauce. Remove the shrimp and toss into the bowl with the half sauce. Set the other half of the sauce aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
- Finish in the air fryer. Put the shrimp back into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 330F for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has formed a glaze. Serve with the sauce.
Tips and Tricks
Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is simple, but a few key tips can help you achieve shrimp that are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfectly coated in that irresistible creamy sauce. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Serve as soon as they are ready as they will not keep terribly well once you dip them in the sauce
- You can make bang bang shrimp tacos by adding a little shredded cabbage, tucking these into tortillas, and drizzling some more sauce over the top
- Make double the sauce as it will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
- Adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your tastes.
Variations
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is easy to customize, and with a few simple twists, you can create new versions that suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Lightened-Up Version - Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lower-fat alternative that still keeps the sauce creamy.
- Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp - Coat the shrimp in a mix of cornstarch and shredded coconut before air frying for a tropical twist.
- Sweet and Smoky - Add a drizzle of honey and a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for a rich, complex flavor.
How Long Does It Last?
These Bang Bang Shrimp are best served as soon as they are made so that they are nice and crispy. If you need to, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge - keep the shrimp and sauce separate.
Reheat the shrimp either in the oven at 375F for 10 minutes, flipping half way through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, but it’s best to freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the sauce to maintain their crispy texture.
After air frying, let the shrimp cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer until hot and crispy, then toss them with freshly made Bang Bang sauce just before serving.
What To Eat With Bang Bang Shrimp?
These tasty shrimp are perfect served as an app with the sauce, but you can also make them into a fuller meal and serve with rice , salad , veggie and potato side dishes . Try them with:
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
- Beet Salad
- Savory Potato Patties
- Shwarma Green Beans
Other Shrimp Recipes To Enjoy
Shrimp Scampi
- Are you a big fan of shrimp? Then you need to try out my Air Fried Salt and Pepper Shrimp ! They’re super easy to make, delightfully crunchy and gluten-free.
- Another fantastic shrimp recipe is my Keto Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi . Just like most air fryer recipes, it’s really easy to make and it’s so delicious you won’t believe it!
- My Mediterranean Shrimp With Feta and Olives is a fast, delicious, and easy recipe made with shrimp, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
- My Air Fryer Pork Chops is another fantastic air fryer recipe and is quite possibly the best way to cook pork chops!
- This Shrimp and Asparagus Gribiche is a delicious meal with shrimp, fresh asparagus topped with a gribiche sauce. It’s quick, easy and keto!
- This Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Rice is easily made in the Air Fryer in about 30 minutes!
When cooked right, the texture and flavor of shrimp can be quite delicious. Bang Bang Shrimp might just become your favorite way to eat shrimp. You can always attempt other meat options if desired as this sauce is perfect either way.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp
Equipment
- Ninja Air Fryer
- Silicone Tongs
- OVAL MEASURING SPOONS
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) Raw Shrimp , peeled and deveined
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) cornstarch or rice flour
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
- ▢ Cooking Oil Spray
For the Sauce
- ▢ 1/2 cup ( 112 g ) mayonnaise
- ▢ 1/4 cup ( 37.5 g ) Thai sweet chili sauce
- ▢ 2-4 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Sriracha Sauce
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Minced Garlic
Instructions
For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce and garlic.
For the shrimp: In a medium bowl or a plastic ziptop bag, toss together the shrimp, cornstarch and salt until the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch or rice flour.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in as flat a layer as possible. You may want to use a rack, and place half the shrimp in the basket and the other half on the rack.
Spray well with additional oil.
Set the air fryer to 330F and cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through and spraying with additional oil.
Remove the shrimp and toss into the bowl with the half sauce. Set the other half of the sauce aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
Put the shrimp back into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 330F for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has formed a glaze. Serve with the sauce.
Serve as soon as they are ready as they will not keep terribly well once you dip them in the sauce
You can make bang bang shrimp tacos by adding a little shredded cabbage, tucking these into tortillas, and drizzling some more sauce over the top
You can use the same technique for bang bang chicken . Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, and proceed as directed for the shrimp
Make double the sauce as it will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
Adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your tastes.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
If you already signed up, you should have received an email with a password to give you unlimited access to our FREE Printable Library. The password is case sensitive. Enter it below and get printing!
Password:
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Cooking Oil Spray
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2-4 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
Instructions
For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce and garlic.
For the shrimp: In a medium bowl or a plastic ziptop bag, toss together the shrimp, cornstarch and salt until the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch or rice flour.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in as flat a layer as possible. You may want to use a rack, and place half the shrimp in the basket and the other half on the rack.
Spray well with additional oil.
Set the air fryer to 330F and cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through and spraying with additional oil.
Remove the shrimp and toss into the bowl with the half sauce. Set the other half of the sauce aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
Put the shrimp back into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 330F for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has formed a glaze. Serve with the sauce.
Serve as soon as they are ready as they will not keep terribly well once you dip them in the sauce
You can make bang bang shrimp tacos by adding a little shredded cabbage, tucking these into tortillas, and drizzling some more sauce over the top
You can use the same technique for bang bang chicken . Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, and proceed as directed for the shrimp
Make double the sauce as it will keep in the fridge for at least a week.
Adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your tastes.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp https://twosleevers.com/bang-bang-shrimp/
Maybe I should call this not-so-dirty rice since I didn’t use chicken livers. But even with ground beef, this Instant Pot Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe tastes so good, that it is likely to become a family favorite once you make it.
What Makes This Cajun Rice So Great?
- Fast. This Instant Pot recipe is done in under 30 minutes .
- Easy. Cook everything in one pan, leaving very little clean up after you eat. Who doesn’t love a great pour and cook recipe ?
- Family Friendly. Kid-friendly ingredients the whole family will love.
- Inexpensive. No fancy, expensive ingredients. A great recipe to help stretch a budget.
- Delicious. You can’t go wrong with the rich, tasty Cajun flavors in this dish.
Why Do They Call It Dirty Rice?
The name is all in the appearance. It might not be the most appetizing way to describe how your meal looks, but it stuck. The name comes from the Cajun rice having a “dirty” appearance with all of the spices and meat mixed into it.
What Kind Of Rice Is Used In Cajun Cooking?
Traditionally, any type of long-grain white rice is used in Cajun cooking. For this recipe, I used Basmati rice . It’s what I had in my pantry, and it cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot.
Is Dirty Rice Good For You
Healthy, in my experience, is all up for interpretation. What one person considers healthy according to their dietary choices may not be healthy for another person.
That being said, this Dirty Rice recipe is high in protein while being relatively low in fats and sugars.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that is the epitome of comfort food and high in protein, this is the perfect recipe to try!
What Is Dirty Rice Made Of?
- 2 tablespoons Oil - Provides the fat needed to sauté the vegetables and brown the meat. It also helps the seasonings bloom and prevents sticking during the sauté stage.
- 1.5 cups Mirepoix - This classic Cajun “holy trinity” forms the aromatic base of the dish.
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- Adds heartiness, protein, and savory richness to the dish. As it cooks, it releases juices that mix into the rice, giving dirty rice its signature flavor and “dirty” appearance.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning - A bold blend of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, thyme, and other spices. It seasons the entire dish and delivers the signature Cajun flavor.
- 1 cup Water - Provides the liquid necessary to pressure-cook the rice. It helps the rice absorb all the seasonings and beef drippings for deeply flavored grains.
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the savory elements and rounds out the spices. It helps balance the dish so it’s not overly spicy or bland.
- 2 Bay Leaves - Infuse a subtle herbal note that deepens the overall flavor. Bay leaves add a warm, earthy background that works well with Cajun spices.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano - Adds herbaceous, slightly peppery flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning blend and balances the richness of the beef.
- 2 teaspoons Louisiana Hot Sauce - Provides tangy heat and that signature Southern Louisiana bite. Hot sauce brightens the dish and adds depth without overpowering it.
- 1 cup Basmati Rice -The base of the dish. Long-grain basmati stays fluffy and separate when cooked under pressure. Rinsing removes excess starch so the rice doesn’t clump and can better absorb the beefy, spicy broth.
I have to admit it, but chicken livers do give it a lovely deep flavor. But I don’t usually buy chicken livers.
So when I had the urge to make Dirty Rice in my Instant Pot, I had to reach for what was at hand, which in my case was ground beef. You could use finely chopped chicken livers if you prefer, to make this Cajun Dirty Rice recipe.
How Do You Make Dirty Rice From Scratch?
Don’t let the stigma of a traditional recipe intimidate you. This is so insanely simple, you’ll be kicking yourself for never trying it before. Whether you want to make it in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop, you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Instant Pot Instructions
So when you’re using your Instant Pot for this dirty rice , you don’t really need to brown the ground beef. What you do what to do, however, is break up the ground beef enough so that it doesn’t cook in one big clump.
One VERY IMPORTANT THING about this recipe. If you have ANYTHING at all stuck on the bottom of the pan, or even the littlest bit of browning, be absolutely sure to deglaze the bottom of the inner liner of your Instant Pot . If you don’t, you might well get the dreaded BURN error.
But if you follow the recipe as written, you shouldn’t really have an issue.
- Turn your Instant Pot on Sauté and when it is hot, add oil.
- Add the mirepoix and ground beef and stir, breaking up the ground beef lumps.
- Add the bay leaf, oregano, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and rice, and stir to incorporate.
- Pour water and immediately close the lid.
- Cook on HIGH Pressure. Allow the pot to rest for undisturbed, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Stir gently to fluff up the rice, and serve.
Stove Top Instructions
- Cook rice. For every 1 cup of rice, you will want to add 2 cups of water. Let it Simmer for 20 minutes and then steam and rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- While the rice is steaming, cook ground beef in a separate pan on the stovetop. Drain.
- Add oil, bay leaf, oregano, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and mirepoix and stir.
- Combine all ingredients and serve.
Tips And Tricks
Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a flavorful, satisfying one-pot meal, and with the right techniques, you can maximize flavor while keeping the cooking process simple and foolproof.
- Sauté the aromatics thoroughly. Take time to sauté the mirepoix until softened and fragrant. This step builds the deep Cajun flavor foundation.
- Brown the meat well. Let the ground beef develop color rather than steaming it. Browning adds richness and gives dirty rice its signature “dirty” look.
- Rinse the rice before cooking. Rinsing basmati removes excess starch, helping the grains stay fluffy and separate after pressure cooking.
Variations
Instant Pot Dirty Rice is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to create a version that fits your tastes or pantry ingredients.
- Chicken Dirty Rice - Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or finely diced chicken thighs for a lighter but still flavorful version.
- Sausage Dirty Rice - Use Cajun or Andouille sausage (crumbled or sliced) for a smoky, bold twist that adds extra heat and depth.
- Turkey Dirty Rice - Substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter, leaner dish that still soaks up the Cajun spices beautifully.
What To Eat With Cajun Rice
Dirty rice is a bold, savory, and satisfying Cajun dish, and pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a complete, well-rounded meal.
- Cajun Chicken - Grilled, blackened, or air-fried chicken adds protein and extra spice to complement the flavors of the rice.
- Andouille Sausage - Smoky, spicy sausage is a natural match and makes the meal even heartier.
- Fried Catfish - Crispy, flaky catfish brings a Southern comfort touch that pairs perfectly with Cajun seasoning.
How Long Does It Last?
Dirty rice lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
For best results, reheat dirty rice on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the texture and keep the rice fluffy.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze dirty rice, and it freezes quite well as long as it’s stored properly. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Dirty rice can be frozen for 2 to 3 months without losing its flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it.
More Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice Recipes
- Lebanese Hashweh
- Mexican Ground Beef Casserole with Rice
- Ground Beef Shawarma
- Korean Beef Bowl
- Instant Pot Dolma
- Kheema Pulao
This Instant Pot Dirty Rice Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s so simple and even the pickiest of eaters love it. So, if your family loves it as much as I do, make sure you share the recipe with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try it too.
Cajun Dirty Rice | Easy Cajun Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Oil
- ▢ 1.5 cup Mirepoix, fresh or frozen , or ½ cup each diced onion, diced bell peppers, and diced celery
- ▢ 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- ▢ 1 cup Water
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 2 Bay Leaves
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ▢ 2 teaspoons Louisiana Hot Sauce
- ▢ 1 cup Basmati Rice , rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot on Sauté and when it is hot, add oil.
- Add the mirepoix and ground beef and stir, breaking up the ground beef lumps.
- Add the bay leaf, oregano, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and rice, and stir to incorporate.
- Add water and immediately close the lid.
- Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow the pot to rest for undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Stir gently to fluff up the rice, and serve.
Stove Top Instructions
- Cook rice. For every 1 cup of rice, you will want to add 2 cups of water. Let it Simmer for 20 minutes and then steam and rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- While the rice is steaming, cook ground beef in a separate pan on the stovetop. Drain.
- Add oil, bay leaf, oregano, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and mirepoix and stir.
- Combine all ingredients and serve.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
Originally published April 20, 2018
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
