Pilau De Camarones (Braised Rice With Shrimp And Tomatoes)(Dominican Republic)
A flavorful Dominican rice dish with tender shrimp, smoky bacon, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a satisfying family meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. raw shrimp ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped hot chilies ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 c. uncooked long grain white rice ⓘ
- 9 medium size, firm, ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Shell and devein the shrimp by making a shallow incision down the back with a small, sharp knife and lifting out the black or white intestinal vein with the point of the knife.
- Cut the shrimp crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped hot chilies and garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and become slightly thickened.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until it is well coated and slightly translucent.
- Return the bacon to the pot, then pour in the chicken stock and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, use high-quality bacon and fresh shrimp. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot chilies or substitute with bell peppers. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma. If you have leftover cooked shrimp, add them at the end to avoid overcooking. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken A La Francaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pilau De Camarones warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. This dish is great on its own, but you can complement it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. Consider pairing it with a light white wine for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pot and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the rice dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pilau De Camarones (Braised Rice With Shrimp And Tomatoes)(Dominican Republic) contains roughly 1096 calories, with 91g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (425% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (377% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish. They will cook just as well as fresh shrimp.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth is a great substitute that will still provide depth of flavor. You can also use water, but consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding extra stock if needed to restore moisture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).