Spicy Shrimp with Rice

Spicy shrimp with rice is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves juicy shrimp and the spice of classic Louisiana cooking. Combining onion, bell peppers and tomatoes creates a savory sauce for the sweet shrimp and rice. Like most shrimp recipes, this dish cooks quickly, especially if you use pre-cleaned shrimp. That means you’ll have things on lock when it comes to busy weeknight dinners. Double the recipe, though, and you’ll also have party planning down pat. Make sure there’s lots of fluffy rice—it soaks up the sauce, making this a hearty meal.

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp with Rice

• Large shrimp: For the easiest prep, look for peeled and deveined shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator or a bowl of cold water.
• Onion: Regular yellow or white onions work for this recipe, but you can use red onions for more color. Here’s how to finely chop onions like a pro.
• Bell pepper: The recipe calls for diced green pepper, which adds contrasting color to the orange-pink shrimp.
• Hot sauce: The dish’s spiciness comes from a couple of tablespoons of Louisiana-style hot sauce added to the simmering liquid.
• Garlic: For the best flavor, skip jarred garlic and use fresh cloves. You can mince fresh garlic easily with a food processor or garlic press.
• Pimientos: Look for little jars of diced pimientos, a type of sweet red pepper. It’s the same pepper used to make pimiento cheese!
• Parsley: While it’s normally used as a garnish, the fresh parsley in this recipe goes right into the sauce to add vibrant flavor and flecks of green.
• Olive oil: Olive oil lends its light flavor to the dish. For the best results, use quality olive oil brands.
• Tomato sauce: Canned or homemade tomato sauce is part of the savory simmering liquid that infuses the shrimp with flavor.
• Chicken broth: Choose a reduced-sodium chicken broth for more control over the saltiness of this dish.
• Rice: Choose your favorite type of rice to pair with the spicy shrimp. Some types, like jasmine rice, cook up quickly while you make the shrimp and sauce.
• Seasonings: Because this recipe has so much flavor, you only need a dash of onion salt and black pepper.

Directions

Step 1: Make the sauce

In a large skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in oil until they’re tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer. Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, pimientos, hot sauce, onion salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp

Reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the shrimp and cook for five to seven minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. Serve with rice.

Editor’s Tip: Properly cooked shrimp should curl into a C shape and turn pink.

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

Spicy Shrimp with Rice Variations

• Use Cajun seasoning: For an extra spicy version, omit the onion salt and pepper and use a Cajun seasoning blend instead.
• Serve with pasta: Orzo, farfalle, anelli and spaghetti are just some of the pasta shapes you can try with spicy shrimp.
• Try it with fried rice: Make a batch of flavorful fried rice to serve with the spicy shrimp and sauce. Either omit the chicken from the fried rice, or leave it in for an extra hearty meal.

How to Store Spicy Shrimp with Rice

To store leftover spicy shrimp and rice, first allow the shrimp and sauce to cool. Transfer them to a tightly covered food storage container and refrigerate them for up to four days. Store the rice separately, as it has a shorter shelf life.

How do you reheat spicy shrimp with rice?

Because shrimp can easily become tough and chewy when overcooked, it’s best to reheat spicy shrimp in two stages. First, heat the sauce in a skillet or saucepan set over medium heat. Once the sauce is hot, add the shrimp. Stir and cook the shrimp for just a few minutes until they’re warmed through. The rice can be reheated in its own pan on the stovetop or quickly reheated in the microwave in a loosely covered dish.

Spicy Shrimp with Rice Tips

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

What’s the best way to clean and devein shrimp?

While buying cleaned shrimp is convenient, shrimp are more flavorful and tender when cleaned just before cooking. No fancy equipment is needed to clean shrimp, just a paring knife. Start by pulling and twisting off the head by hand and then removing the shell. The vein running down the back of the shrimp is easy to remove with the tip of the knife.

What should you serve with spicy shrimp and rice?

There are many tasty vegetable sides to serve with spicy shrimp and rice. Think fresh heirloom tomato salad or buttery ears of corn on the cob. Try pairing the dish with one of our favorite cornbread recipes, like spicy jalapeno buttermilk cornbread or mini corn muffins filled with cheddar cheese.