Wild Rice With Shrimp And Cilantro
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring wild rice, succulent shrimp, fresh cilantro, and colorful peppers, perfect for a light, healthy meal with zesty lime accents.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frozen cooked, peeled, deveined medium shrimp ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, mashed ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. brown and white Texmati rice, blend with wild rice ⓘ
- Juice of 2 limes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 large head fresh romaine lettuce, shredded ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse frozen shrimp in a colander with cold water; set aside to drain.
- In a 12-inch skillet or large flameproof casserole, heat olive oil until hot.
- Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until limp, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in mashed garlic, hot water, and rice; mix well.
- Heat to boiling; stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice, shrimp, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Serve on lettuce-lined plates with quartered tomatoes, mounding slightly.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or substituting the shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also be used instead of cilantro. Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture. For a quicker cooking method, you can use instant brown rice.
Serving Suggestions
This wild rice with shrimp pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also add a zesty dressing to the salad to complement the flavors of the dish. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a Corn-Lima Bean Casserole. Garnish with additional lime wedges for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. This dish doesn't freeze well due to the shrimp's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice With Shrimp And Cilantro contains roughly 356 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% 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 fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp might require slightly less cooking time, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for Texmati rice?
If you can't find Texmati rice, you can substitute it with a mix of long-grain brown rice and wild rice. Alternatively, jasmine rice or basmati rice can also work, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly and enjoy within a few days for the best taste.
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).