Simple Shrimp and Rice Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Meal
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal ingredients. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined. You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: Any type of long-grain rice will work well.
- 2 cups water or broth: Using broth adds extra flavor! Chicken or vegetable broth are both excellent choices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Or any other cooking oil you prefer.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced garlic if needed.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Or to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Or to taste. Freshly ground pepper is always best.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: (optional) for garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: (optional) A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
Step-by-step Instructions:
Preparing the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water (or broth), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Cooking the Shrimp:
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Stir in the lemon juice (if using) during the last minute of cooking.
Combining and Serving:
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
- Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the shrimp.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer dish.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro.
- Citrus zest: Add some lemon or lime zest for an extra layer of flavor.
This simple shrimp and rice recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
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