Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
I love this quick and easy Shrimp, Peas, and Rice dish, which can be made with white or brown rice.
I love this quick and easy Shrimp, Peas, and Rice dish, which can be made with white or brown rice.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth canned or homemade (veggie broth for lent)
- 1 cup uncooked converted brown rice
- 1-1/4 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp grated pecorino romano cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
- Carbohydrate 3.06898999989275 g
- Cholesterol 11.1804999976753 mg
- Fat 5.8028924974442 g
- Fiber 0.785099999547005 g
- Protein 5.661774998984 g
- Saturated Fat 2.77924924929441 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (105g)
- Sodium 566.364249959572 mg
- Sugar 2.28389000034574 g
- Trans Fat 0.342360749904736 g
- Calories 87 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large heavy skillet melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the rice and saute about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and peas and bring to a boil.
- When just about all the liquid is absorbed just skimming the top of the rice, cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook, covered on low heat 20 minutes, until rice is cooked through.
- Shut off and let stand covered 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in second large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to hot skillet.
- Cook about 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Add the 2 remaining teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet on high heat and add the cooked rice, shrimp, grated cheese and parsley and saute another minute or two to slightly crisp, mixing well.
Shrimp, Peas, and Rice: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities leaves little room for elaborate recipes. That’s why I’ve come to rely on quick, simple dishes that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. This Shrimp, Peas, and Rice recipe is a perfect example – ready in under 30 minutes, it's a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's adaptable to whatever I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the brown rice for white, depending on my mood and the time I have available. The peas add a pop of sweetness and vibrant color, while the shrimp provides a lean protein boost. The combination of butter and olive oil lends a rich depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond basic comfort food.
The recipe itself is incredibly forgiving. If I'm short on time, I'll use pre-cooked shrimp to shave off even more precious minutes. Other times, I’ll add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for an extra layer of brightness. The best part is that my kids gobble this up without complaint, which is a huge victory in my book. It’s become a regular fixture in our dinner rotation, and I'm constantly tweaking it to suit our tastes and whatever ingredients we have in the pantry.
Beyond the convenience, this dish also offers a satisfying nutritional profile. The brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the shrimp is packed with protein. The peas contribute valuable vitamins and fiber. It's a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul, which is especially important during hectic periods of life. It's a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend supper.
I often find myself adapting this dish based on what’s in season. During the summer months, I’ll sometimes add fresh herbs, like dill or chives, to elevate the fresh flavor profile. In the fall, I might use butternut squash or sweet potatoes for an added warmth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
This isn’t just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a testament to the joy of simple cooking. It reminds me that nourishing meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a dish I can share with my family, knowing that I’ve created something healthy, delicious, and satisfying without sacrificing precious time. The simplicity of it all allows me to focus on what matters most: spending quality time with my loved ones.
So, whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, this Shrimp, Peas, and Rice recipe is a welcome addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a delicious and convenient option for those nights when time is of the essence, without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
