Rice With Crabs
A flavorful seafood and rice dish combining tender crab or shrimp with spicy jalapeno relish and fresh tomato, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, core, and coarsely chop the tomato; set aside.
- In a skillet, cook rice and chopped onion in hot oil over medium heat, stirring frequently, until rice is golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in water, jalapeno relish, and Mexican rice seasoning mix.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Gently stir in crabmeat or shrimp and chopped tomato; heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lime juice or some fresh cilantro when serving. If you don't have crabmeat, shrimp is a perfect substitute, especially if you're a fan of Mexican recipes. To achieve the best texture, rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will help prevent it from becoming gummy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Rice With Crabs alongside a refreshing gazpacho for a light meal, or pair it with a simple green salad. It also complements well with a side of Mexican street corn or avocado slices. For a complete feast, consider serving it with shrimp fajitas to create a festive seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a seafood salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Crabs contains roughly 445 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically requires about 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice and will take around 40-45 minutes to cook. Make sure to check for doneness as it will affect the texture of the dish.
What can I use if I can't find jalapeno relish?
If jalapeno relish is unavailable, you can make a quick substitute by mixing diced jalapenos with a bit of vinegar and sugar. Alternatively, use diced pickled jalapenos or a mild salsa for a similar flavor profile while still adding a bit of heat.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Rice With Crabs is a great meal prep option as it holds up well in the refrigerator. Just prepare and portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Be sure to store the seafood separately if you plan to freeze it, as it can change texture when reheated.
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).