Shrimp and Spiced Basmati Rice Skillet Recipe
This flavorful Shrimp and Rice recipe combines tender shrimp with basmati rice and a medley of sautéed vegetables, seasoned with aromatic spices like turmeric and oregano. Cooked all in one pot, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green pepper, diced
- 4 ounces mushrooms, small diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Rice and Spices
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric, divided
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Liquids
- 1½ cups water
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become lightly golden to develop a rich flavor base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant to enhance the aroma of the dish.
- Toast Rice with Spices: Add the rinsed and drained rice on top of the vegetables along with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes to toast the rice lightly and evenly coat it with the spices.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the rice toasts, in a small bowl combine the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to ensure the shrimp is well seasoned.
- Cook Rice and Shrimp: Pour 1½ cups water over the rice and bring to a boil. Once boiling, arrange the seasoned shrimp evenly on top of the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes to allow the shrimp and rice to steam together perfectly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then gently fluff the rice and shrimp together to mix flavors before serving warm.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents rice from becoming sticky.
- Do not stir the rice and shrimp during the cooking process to ensure even steaming and avoid mushy rice.
- You can substitute shrimp with other seafood or chicken as preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if you prefer less salt or spice.
- For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.