Description
A quick and flavorful 15-minute shrimp and rice recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed with aromatic spices and cooked with basmati rice for a perfect one-pot meal. This dish combines ease and deliciousness, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cooking basmati rice (quick cooking or minute rice)
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and shelled
- 1 tbsp oil of choice (olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.)
- 1/4 cup onion, minced or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in plenty of water for 5-10 minutes, then drain completely to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onion: Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and the minced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are lightly golden and fragrant.
- Cook shrimp and spices: Add the garlic, shrimp, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the shrimp begin to turn pink, indicating they are partially cooked.
- Combine rice and water: Add the drained rice and 1 3/4 cups water to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat until the mixture starts boiling.
- Simmer: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Finish cooking: After about 10 minutes, remove the lid. If there is any excess water remaining, allow it to evaporate by boiling uncovered briefly. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add finishing touch: Optionally, drizzle grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Use quick cooking rice varieties like minute or instant basmati rice to ensure the recipe cooks within 15 minutes.
- Devein and shell shrimp ahead of time for convenience and to reduce prep time.
- Adjust spices according to taste preferences; adding a pinch of chili powder can add more heat.
- Parmesan is optional but adds a nice savory depth to the dish.
- This is a one-pot meal, making cleanup easy and fast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
