Shrimp and Rice Pilaf Dish (Print View)

Juicy shrimp and fluffy rice mingled with veggies and spices for a colorful Mediterranean meal.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Grains

02 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed

→ Aromatics and Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas

→ Liquids and Fats

07 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet or wide saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until just pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in the rice, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
04 - Pour in the broth, add peas, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
05 - Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Gently fluff the mixture with a fork and heat for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are warmed through.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one pan for easy cleanup
  • Tastes vibrant and aromatic thanks to spices and fresh lemon
  • Perfect balance of protein and comforting carbs in every serving
  • Ready in under an hour making it weeknight-friendly
02 -
  • High in lean protein which keeps you satisfied for hours
  • Full of colorful veggies for an antioxidant boost
  • Only one pan from start to finish so dishes are minimal
03 -
  • Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear for a fluffier end result
  • Be sure to cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture
  • Always let pilaf rest covered for five minutes off the heat before fluffing—this helps finish steaming the rice for perfect texture

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