Dive into a plate full of flavor with this delightful dish. Packed with succulent shrimp, fresh peas, and hearty brown rice, this meal promises a flavorful and satisfying experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it is a versatile recipe rich in taste and nutrition.
While most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, shrimp might not be as readily available. Fresh shrimp is always the best choice for this recipe. However, if you cannot access fresh shrimp, frozen, deveined, and peeled shrimp could work as a suitable substitute. Just remember to thaw completely before using. Pecorino Romano cheese, another ingredient, might not be as readily available as other cheeses, but it adds a unique tangy flavor that complements the dish. Look for it in the cheese aisle at your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Delight
Butter: Adds a richness and depth to the flavor profile of the dish.
Chicken broth: Acts as a flavorful liquid base for cooking the rice.
Peas: These add a sweet and slightly earthy flavor to the dish, besides offering a vibrant color.
Brown rice: The slightly nutty flavor of brown rice complements the shrimp and peas, and offers a healthy whole grain option.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and offering a distinct, rich taste.
Shrimp: The main protein in this dish offering a mild, sweet flavor.
Pecorino Romano cheese: A hard, salty Italian cheese that enhances the flavor of the dish.
Parsley: Used for garnishing and adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to balance the overall taste.
One reader, Brandy Dayton says:
This shrimp, peas, and rice delight is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The shrimp is perfectly cooked, and the peas add a pop of freshness. The rice is fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that I can't get enough of!
Techniques Required for Making Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Delight
How to sauté the rice and peas: In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes.
How to cook the shrimp: In a second large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
How to mix the rice, shrimp, and cheese: Add the 2 remaining teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet on high heat and add the cooked rice, shrimp, grated cheese, and parsley. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes to slightly crisp, mixing well.
How To Make Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
It’s simple, but this shrimp, peas, and rice recipe is an easy prep meal! Enjoy rich shrimp, tender peas, and white or brown rice for lunch or dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspunsalted butter
- 2cupschicken broth,low sodium, canned, or homemade veggie broth for lent
- ½cuppeas,frozen
- 1cupbrown rice,uncooked converted
- 4tspolive oil,divided
- 1 ¼lbsshrimp,peeled and deveined
- 2tbsppecorino Romano cheese,grated
- 1tbspparsley,chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the chicken broth and peas and bring to a boil. When just about all the liquid is absorbed just skimming the top of the rice, cover and reduce heat to low.
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Cook, covered on low heat for 20 minutes, until rice is cooked through. Shut off and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in second large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium heat until hot.
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Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to hot skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
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Add the 2 remaining teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet on high heat and add the cooked rice, shrimp, grated cheese, and parsley and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes to slightly crisp, mixing well.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 633.42kcal
- Fat: 15.86g
- Saturated Fat: 4.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.69g
- Carbohydrates: 47.38g
- Fiber: 2.57g
- Sugar: 2.96g
- Protein: 70.67g
- Cholesterol: 587.05mg
- Sodium: 2801.86mg
- Calcium: 314.84mg
- Potassium: 819.79mg
- Iron: 2.44mg
- Vitamin A: 285.27µg
- Vitamin C: 8.75mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Delight
When cooking the shrimp, it's important to not overcook them as they can become tough and lose their succulent flavor. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they turn an opaque color. Also, adding the shrimp at the end of the cooking process ensures they remain juicy and tender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Recipe
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to streamline the process and save time.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously, such as preparing the rice while sautéing the shrimp.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Consider using pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Invest in a rice cooker: A rice cooker can save time and effort when preparing rice, allowing you to focus on other elements of the dish.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the dish and store the leftovers for quick and convenient meals later in the week.
Prep in advance: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the shrimp ahead of time to expedite the cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a single pot or skillet to cook the entire dish, reducing the number of dishes to clean and streamlining the cooking process.
Frozen peas: Use frozen peas instead of fresh ones to skip the shelling process and save time during preparation.
Quick-cooking rice: Opt for quick-cooking rice varieties to significantly reduce the overall cooking time for the dish.
Efficient clean-up: Clean as you go to maintain an organized workspace and minimize the time spent on post-cooking clean-up.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with cubed chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to provide a similar texture and protein content.
peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for peas to provide a similar texture and a slightly nuttier flavor.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice to provide a similar nutty flavor and a complete protein source.
pecorino romano cheese - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for pecorino romano cheese to provide a similar salty and nutty flavor.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley to provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Dish
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: As a Top Chef, it's crucial to present the dish in a visually appealing manner. Arrange the shrimp, peas, and rice delight in a way that showcases each component beautifully. Consider using edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish to add a pop of color and elegance to the plate.
Focus on precision and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Ensure that the shrimp, peas, and rice are arranged with precision, creating a balanced and harmonious composition. The dish should exude sophistication and attention to detail.
Emphasize texture and contrast: Incorporate elements that add texture and contrast to the dish. Consider serving the shrimp with a light crispy breadcrumb topping or a delicate lemon zest garnish to provide a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp and fluffy rice.
Utilize high-quality serving ware: Choose elegant and refined serving ware to elevate the dining experience. Opt for porcelain plates or artisanal ceramic bowls that complement the colors and textures of the shrimp, peas, and rice delight.
Incorporate a touch of luxury: Consider adding a touch of luxury to the presentation. Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the dish or serve it alongside a crisp glass of white wine to elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for cooking the shrimp and sautéing the rice.
- Large heavy skillet: This is a larger, heavy-bottomed skillet that is perfect for cooking the rice and peas, allowing for even heat distribution and preventing scorching.
- Second large skillet: Another large skillet is used for cooking the shrimp, providing ample space for even cooking and preventing overcrowding.
- Spatula: A spatula is used for flipping and turning the shrimp and rice, ensuring that they cook evenly and don't stick to the skillet.
- Cooking spoon: A cooking spoon is used for stirring the rice and peas while they cook, ensuring that they are evenly cooked and preventing sticking.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is used for chopping and mincing ingredients such as parsley, allowing for precise and efficient preparation.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients, ensuring safety and cleanliness in the kitchen.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients, ensuring the proper balance of flavors and textures in the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
- Let the shrimp, peas, and rice delight cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the dish, follow these steps for the best results:
- Divide the cooled shrimp, peas, and rice delight into individual serving portions.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
- To reheat the frozen shrimp, peas, and rice delight, follow these methods:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish to a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed throughout. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Avoid refreezing the dish once it has been thawed to maintain the best quality and texture of the shrimp, peas, and rice.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
Stovetop method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the leftover shrimp, peas, and rice to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the dish is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Microwave method: Transfer the leftover shrimp, peas, and rice to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dish is heated through. This should take about 2-3 minutes total, depending on the amount of leftovers and the power of your microwave.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover shrimp, peas, and rice to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to crisp up slightly.
Steaming method: Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Place the leftover shrimp, peas, and rice in a heat-proof dish that fits inside the steamer basket. Cover the steamer basket and allow the dish to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and texture of the dish.
Stir-fry method: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add some minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the leftover shrimp, peas, and rice to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also add some additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to give the dish a fresh twist.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
Shrimp, peas, and rice delight is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, sweet peas, and hearty brown rice. This dish is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a perfect meal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this simple yet satisfying dish.
Is Making Shrimp, Peas, and Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp, peas, and rice delight recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients are relatively affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option for households. The combination of shrimp, peas, and rice offers a balanced and nutritious meal. The approximate cost for a household of four people is estimated to be around $20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8 out of 10 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delightful flavors.
Is This Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Recipe Healthy?
The shrimp, peas, and rice delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Shrimp is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Brown rice is a whole grain, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Peas add a pop of color and provide additional fiber and nutrients.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- Reduce the amount of butter and olive oil used to lower the overall fat content
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium intake
- Increase the quantity of peas or add other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a combination of whole grain and wild rice for added texture and nutritional benefits
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil
- Incorporate additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus to increase the vitamin and mineral content
- Use a mixture of brown rice and quinoa for a protein-rich, gluten-free option
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, or smoked paprika to add flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this shrimp, peas, and rice delight into an even more nutritious and satisfying dish that supports overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on the Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Delight Recipe
This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy rice and sweet peas complement the succulent shrimp perfectly, while the pecorino romano cheese adds a rich and savory element. The dish is well-balanced and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The use of olive oil and butter adds a luxurious touch, and the addition of parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. Overall, this shrimp, peas, and rice delight is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Shrimp, Peas, and Rice Recipe:
This recipe is a true culinary delight that combines the freshness of shrimp with the wholesome goodness of peas and brown rice. The use of unsalted butter and chicken broth infuses rich flavors, while the addition of pecorino romano cheese and parsley elevates the dish to a whole new level. With the careful sautéing and cooking techniques, this recipe promises a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable dining experience.
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