Shrimp-Rice Parmesan
A flavorful shrimp and rice dish featuring golden toasted rice, tender vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering, it combines comforting textures with vibrant flavors that appeal to seafood and rice lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2/3 cup packaged precooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb 4 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely grated pared carrots ⓘ
- 1 pound thawed frozen or fresh large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- About 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving, heat salad oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the rice, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
- Add water, tomatoes, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, and grated carrots.
- Cover and cook until the carrots are tender.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are tender.
- Serve hot, passing grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or using vegetable broth instead of water. If you don't have precooked rice, you can cook regular rice beforehand, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If shrimp isn't available, cooked chicken or even canned tuna could be a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful variation, consider serving alongside garlic bread or a refreshing Summer Tuna Salad for a well-rounded seafood dinner.
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 keep the rice moist, and heat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp-Rice Parmesan contains roughly 604 calories, with 18g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% 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, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the skillet. You can quickly thaw shrimp by running them under cold water for a few minutes, which will help maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for the tomatoes?
If you prefer, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes if they're in season. For a different flavor, replace the tomatoes with a jar of marinara sauce, which will give the dish a richer taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You may also want to add a protein like chickpeas or tofu to keep it filling.
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).