Special Shrimp And Rice
A flavorful shrimp and rice dish with Italian sausage, green peppers, and herbs, offering a spicy, savory taste perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed thyme ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté sausage until brown.
- Add oil, garlic, and green peppers; cook until tender.
- Add chopped parsley, seasonings, water, and rice; stir well.
- Add shrimp and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook on low for 25 to 30 minutes or until shrimp are pink.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of shrimp types or even substituting some shrimp with crab meat. If you're looking for a lighter version, replace the sausage with turkey sausage. A splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish. Ensure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be tender and pink, which usually takes just a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light salad with vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness. For a more filling meal, consider serving alongside pasta or rice. This shrimp and rice dish also complements Italian recipes like Seafood Fettucine Alfredo beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Shrimp And Rice contains roughly 2493 calories, with 14g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 235g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), iron (182% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% 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, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will ensure they cook evenly and retain their texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes before using.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute Italian sausage with chorizo for a spicier kick or use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Ground turkey or chicken also works well to keep it lighter while maintaining flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn a pinkish color and curl into a C shape. This usually takes just a few minutes. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
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).