Shrimp Piau

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Latin American

Shrimp Piau is a flavorful rice dish featuring crispy meat, savory shrimp, and caramelized onions, ideal for hearty, satisfying meals with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 5 slices butt meat
  • 1 lb. shrimp
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Fry the butt meat slices until crisp, then remove and set aside.
  2. Using the same grease, fry the onions until golden and caramelized.
  3. Add the shrimp to the pan with onions and cook for about 5 minutes until pink and cooked through.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic and bell peppers while frying the onions. You can substitute the butt meat with bacon or pancetta for a different richness. If fresh shrimp isn't available, frozen shrimp will work; just ensure they are thawed before cooking. Adjust the seasoning with smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shrimp Piau hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or a refreshing cucumber salad, or explore similar flavors in recipes like Yellow Rice And Shrimp.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a shrimp salad.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Piau contains roughly 108 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2012mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).

108 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 4.7g 6% DV
Carbs 11.7g 4% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2012.3mg 87% DV
Potassium 69mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 31.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 24.5mg 2% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Shellfish

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 different types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! This dish is versatile, and you can substitute shrimp with scallops or even crab meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require varying cooking durations to achieve the perfect texture.

What can I do if I don't have cooked rice?

If you don't have cooked rice, you can prepare it fresh by using a 2:1 water to rice ratio. Alternatively, consider using leftover quinoa or couscous for an interesting twist. Just ensure whatever grain you use is fully cooked before adding it to the shrimp and onion mixture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while frying the onions. Alternatively, incorporating a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when mixing in the shrimp can elevate the heat level to your liking.

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).

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