Shrimp Noel
Shrimp Noel is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining tender shrimp, savory rice, and a medley of vegetables in a spiced tomato sauce. Topped with Parmesan and baked to perfection, it’s ideal for family dinners or special occasions, offering comforting flavors with a touch of warmth and spice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimento ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked brown rice in chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked, cleaned shrimp ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- fresh grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté mushrooms, green pepper, onion, and celery in butter or margarine until tender, but not darkened.
- Add pimento and stewed tomatoes with juice, then stir in chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
- Mix in cooked rice and cooked shrimp.
- Add salt to taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with melted butter or margarine.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken bouillon instead of store-bought. You can substitute shrimp with cooked crab meat or even chicken for variations in protein. If you like a bit of heat, increase the chili powder gradually to your taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the dish's freshness. For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Noel hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with Caesar Dressing and crusty bread on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Seafood And Rice dish, which complements the flavors of the shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Noel contains roughly 740 calories, with 18g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (85% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 ensure they are fully thawed and cleaned before cooking. For best results, sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture to retain their texture. This way, they will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for the brown rice?
If you're not a fan of brown rice, you can easily substitute it with white rice or quinoa for a different texture. Both options will still absorb the flavors of the dish well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).