Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? This Mexican Shrimp and Rice recipe is not just a meal; it's a fiesta in a skillet! With succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, your family and friends will be begging for seconds! Dive into this delightful recipe and discover how easy it is to create a mouthwatering Mexican feast right at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 small chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of cumin, 1 tsp of paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a separate bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin and paprika for extra flavor.
- After the rice has cooked for 15 minutes, uncover the skillet and gently fold in the seasoned shrimp. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Shrimp and Rice!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or even black beans to enhance the dish and make it your own.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: To ensure your rice is fluffy and not sticky, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dish for an extra kick.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro! It adds a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a zesty touch.With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful Mexican Shrimp and Rice recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
