Shrimp Red Rice
A savory shrimp and bacon red rice dish with rich tomato flavor, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering, combining smoky, tangy, and tender textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir rice, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper into the rice steamer and let steam for 30 minutes.
- While the rice is steaming, fry bacon until crisp and brown the onion in bacon grease.
- Break up the crisp bacon into pieces.
- Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, boiled shrimp, and bacon grease into the steamed rice.
- Fluff up the rice and steam for another 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some garlic or bell peppers while frying the bacon and onions. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon. Additionally, using brown rice instead of long grain rice can enhance the dish's nutritional value, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing side like Bannertown Broccoli Salad to balance the richness of the shrimp and bacon. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Shrimp Red Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cover it to retain moisture, then microwave in short intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Red Rice contains roughly 725 calories, with 27g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2138mg per serving (93% 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 and pat them dry before adding them to the rice. This ensures they won't release too much water into the dish.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if using diced tomatoes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick.
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).