Print

Quick Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe

quick shrimp and rice skillet recipe - featured image

A fast, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp and savory rice, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes): Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Mince garlic and finely chop the onion.
  2. Heat the Skillet (2 minutes): Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté Aromatics (3 minutes): Add the onion and garlic to the hot oil. Stir frequently until onions turn translucent and garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
  4. Toast the Rice (2 minutes): Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the grains in oil and aromatics.
  5. Add Spices and Broth (1 minute): Sprinkle smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer the Rice (12 minutes): Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed.
  7. Cook the Shrimp (5 minutes): After about 10 minutes of simmering, nestle the shrimp on top of the rice, cover again, and continue cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  8. Finish and Garnish (2 minutes): Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle chopped parsley, and gently stir to mix flavors.

Notes

Add shrimp late in the cooking process to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture. Toast rice before simmering to enhance flavor and prevent mushiness. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for even cooking. If broth evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water and cover immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp skillet, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, one-pan meal, shrimp and rice, weeknight dinner, seafood skillet