Are you craving a delicious, vibrant dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This Spicy Shrimp and Rice recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Bobby Flay, is the perfect solution for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It's bursting with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking with this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
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Combine Rice and Broth: Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
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Cook Shrimp: While the rice is simmering, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
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Combine and Serve: Gently stir the cooked shrimp into the rice mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Tips for the Best Spicy Shrimp and Rice:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use good quality rice: Long-grain rice works best in this recipe.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish with a side of your favorite vegetables, such as a simple green salad or roasted broccoli.
Variations:
- Add protein: Substitute chicken or fish for the shrimp.
- Change up the vegetables: Use other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or black beans.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30 grams Fat: 10-15 grams Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfyingly simple cooking process. It's a healthy meal the whole family will love! This is one of the best recipes for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make this delicious dish! Remember to adapt it to your preferences and enjoy the culinary journey!