Shrimp Dinner
A flavorful shrimp and rice dish featuring tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, lemon zest, and vibrant asparagus, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 1/4 oz. package long grain and wild rice (fast cooking) ⓘ
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups diagonally sliced asparagus or small broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 lb. large shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the rice, seasoning packets, water, and 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a vigorous boil, then stir in the asparagus.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- While the rice simmers, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, garlic, and salt to the skillet.
- Stir-fry until the shrimp are opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Stir the lemon peel into the cooked rice.
- Serve the shrimp alongside the rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the shrimp, consider marinating them in a mixture of lemon juice and garlic for about 15 minutes before cooking. If you're out of margarine, you can substitute it with butter or olive oil. For a twist, add some red pepper flakes for heat or substitute asparagus with green beans or snap peas, which are also delicious in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shrimp dinner with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. It pairs beautifully with Joy'S Shrimp Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette-dressed salad. A glass of white wine would complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out and microwave it covered in intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. The shrimp can also be reheated on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Dinner contains roughly 897 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1026mg per serving (45% 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, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It's best to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw. This will help ensure even cooking and maintain the shrimp's texture.
What can I substitute for the wild rice?
If you don't have wild rice, you can use brown rice or a quick-cooking rice blend as a substitute. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust the water and cooking duration accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp as they cook. For a more complex flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the rice mixture.
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).