Get ready to love this simple Spanish shrimp and rice recipe! Not only does it pack a great flavor and taste but it's literally so simple to cook as well. And with how simple clean up is for this simple skillet shrimp recipe, you're going to love being able to kick up your feet after dinner is done and rest, too!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bold & flavorful: A perfect mix of savory shrimp and seasoned rice with a Spanish twist!
- One-pan meal: Easy cleanup and all the flavors in one dish.
- Quick & simple: Ready in less than 30 minutes for a delicious, weeknight dinner.
How Do You Know When Shrimp Is Done Cooking?
You'll want to pay close attention to the coloring of the shrimp. Once it's done cooking, it's going to be clear and have some pink and red to it as well. This is one of your biggest indicators that the shrimp is done and ready.
Spanish Shrimp with Rice
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
🔪How to Cook Shrimp in a Skillet?
Cooking shrimp in a cast iron skillet isn't hard but you do need to make certain that you're cooking it in a way that gets it cooked all the way through. In just a few moments of time, your shrimp will be done and ready to eat. Add in some olive oil, and your shrimp and let the heat of the cast iron skillet cook it all the way through. Don't forget to flip the shrimp as well so that you get that char on both sides.
🥚Ingredients for Spanish Rice With Shrimp
- 4 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon of Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of Salt
- 1 Lb of Shrimp ( buy fresh deveined)
- ½ Cup of Red Onion (chopped finely)
- ½ Cup of Red Pepper ( chopped finely )
- ½ Cup of Cherry Tomatoes ( sliced in half )
- 1 ½ Cups of Spanish Yellow Rice
- ½ teaspoon of Turmeric
- 2.5 Cups of Water
- 1 tablespoon of Fresh Parsley
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Protein swap: Not into shrimp? Use diced chicken or tofu for a different take.
- Rice alternatives: Try brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
- Veggie boost: Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra color and vitamins.
🔪 How To Make Spanish Shrimp and Rice
- Step 1: Add the shrimp, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and salt to a bowl. Toss your shrimp in the mixture.
- Step 2: Line a baking tray with foil and evenly lay your shrimp on top. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate! The longer the better!
- Step 3: On medium heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your saute pan. Allow to get hot then add your onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and
saute until soft (about 4 minutes).
- Step 4: Add your shrimp and cook until the shrimp is no longer translucent about 4 minutes. Remove shrimp and set to the side.
- Step 5: Add your rice, and turmeric to the onion mixture. Mix to combine, add the water, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 4 minutes then add back in the shrimp. Continue to heat covered for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Add parsley as garnish. Serve and enjoy your Spanish shrimp rice!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Pat Dry the Shrimp Before Marinating: Excess moisture prevents proper seasoning absorption and can lead to steaming instead of searing. Pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing in the marinade.
- Infuse the Oil with Garlic First: Before adding vegetables, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds. This helps infuse the oil with a rich, aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.
- Layer the Shrimp on Top of the Rice for Gentle Cooking: Instead of mixing the shrimp back into the rice, place them on top and cover the pan. The residual steam will keep them juicy and prevent overcooking.
💭 FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Yes, while the recipe calls for Spanish yellow rice, you can substitute with other long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine. Note that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary slightly.
Marinating enhances flavor, but if short on time, you can reduce the marinating period. Even a brief 15-minute marination can impart additional taste to the shrimp.
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or spinach to add more nutrients and color to the dish.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite sides to serve with Spanish shrimp and rice:
- Crusty garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
- Simple green salad: A light, fresh contrast to the rich shrimp and rice.
- Grilled vegetables: Adds a smoky touch and extra nutrients to your meal.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Spanish Shrimp And Rice
Ingredients
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 lb Shrimp Buy Fresh Deveined
- ½ Cup Red Onion Chopped Finely
- ½ Cup Red Pepper Chopped Finely
- ½ Cup Cherry Tomatoes Sliced In Half
- 1 ½ Cups Spanish Yellow Rice
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 2.5 Cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Add the shrimp, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and salt to a bowl.
- Toss your shrimp in the mixture.
- Line a baking tray with foil and evenly lay your shrimp on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate! The longer the better!
- On medium heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your saute pan.
- Allow to get hot then add your onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and
saute until soft (about 4 minutes). - Add your shrimp and cook until the shrimp is no longer translucent about 4 minutes.
- Remove your shrimp and set to the side.
- Add in your rice, and turmeric to the onion mixture.
- Mix to combine, add the water, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 4 minutes then add back in the shrimp.
- Continue to heat covered for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add parsley as garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
This is such a great recipe and one the whole family will enjoy. It's certainly one of my favourite skillet shrimp recipes! That's for sure.
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