Spanish Rice With Shrimp
A vibrant Spanish-inspired shrimp and rice dish featuring tomatoes, herbs, and tender shrimp, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can small canned shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except shrimp, in a 2-quart casserole. Cover.
- Microwave at High (100%) for 10 minutes.
- Reduce power to Medium (50%).
- Microwave until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 28 to 35 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water and instant chicken bouillon. If you prefer fresher ingredients, swap canned shrimp for cooked shrimp and sauté them briefly before adding. Adjust the garlic powder to your taste for a more robust profile. You can also add bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Rice With Shrimp as a main dish, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Lobster Or Crab Bisque for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice With Shrimp contains roughly 449 calories, with 15g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (192% of the Daily Value), and calcium (143% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1897mg per serving (82% 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 other types of rice for this recipe?
While long grain rice is recommended for its fluffiness, you can use jasmine or basmati rice for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the water ratio and cooking time as needed, since different rice varieties absorb liquid differently.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also serve the finished dish with hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize the spice level to their liking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the shrimp and substituting with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. To maintain the flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure the bouillon is vegetarian-friendly.
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).