A flavorful and hearty dish combining shrimp, pork, and Cajun spices for a delightful meal.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the oil to prevent sticking.
Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Cook the pork thoroughly to enhance its flavor.
Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Stir in the cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a minute to release the spices' aroma.
Toast the spices briefly to enhance their flavors.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
Ensure the rice is evenly coated for consistent flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer until the rice is tender.
Keep the lid on to retain the steam and cook the rice evenly.
Stir in the shrimp, cover, and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve warm.
Adding fresh scallions at the end provides a burst of flavor and color.