Shrimp And Scallop Pilaf
Shrimp and Scallop Pilaf is a delightful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp and scallops nestled in a fragrant bed of seasoned rice. The addition of peas adds a pop of color and sweetness, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric or saffron ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked long grain white rice ⓘ
- 1 medium-size onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can chicken broth
- 8 oz. peeled and deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, partially thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; stir in turmeric.
- Add rice, onion, and garlic.
- Cook about 3 minutes until onion is translucent, stirring often.
- Pour in broth mixture; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add scallops, shrimp, and peas.
- Simmer covered for 5 minutes longer or until scallops are opaque, shrimp turn pink, and peas are heated through.
- Taste and season as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you don't have saffron, turmeric is a great substitute for color and taste. To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. This dish also works well with other seafood, such as crab or lobster, for a luxurious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp and scallop pilaf with a side of crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A light lemon vinaigrette complements the seafood beautifully. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with garlic bread or browsing more American recipes for complementary dishes. A chilled glass of white wine can also enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pilaf in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may result in uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Scallop Pilaf contains roughly 545 calories, with 16g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 19g 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 other types of rice for this recipe?
While long grain white rice is recommended for its texture, you can use jasmine or basmati rice as alternatives. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time and liquid amounts, as different rice varieties may vary in how much liquid they absorb.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the pilaf more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or barley alongside the rice. You could also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or serve it alongside a protein-rich side like turkey roll-ups for a more substantial meal.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply add the seafood and peas, then simmer until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
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).