10 Shrimp and Rice Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Shrimp and rice make a perfect pairing—quick to cook, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, spicy Cajun flavors, or classic fried rice, these recipes will transform your weeknight meals into something extraordinary.
1. Mediterranean One-Pan Shrimp and Rice
Why You’ll Love It: A healthier take on shrimp fried rice, loaded with peas, bell peppers, and aromatic spices like coriander and cumin.
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Red onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley
- Frozen peas
- Spices: coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric
Pro Tip:
- Rinse and soak the rice to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains.
- Add shrimp last to prevent overcooking—just 3–5 minutes until pink and opaque.
2. Easy Jasmine Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Why You’ll Love It: A 30-minute meal with jasmine rice, mushrooms, and green peppers, all cooked in one pan.
Ingredients:
- Jasmine rice
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Onion, green pepper, mushrooms
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Pro Tip:
- Don’t double the water—the shrimp and veggies release moisture, so stick to a 2:1 broth-to-rice ratio.
3. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
Why You’ll Love It: Buttery, lemony shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice—simple yet elegant.
Ingredients:
- Jasmine rice
- Butter, garlic, lemon zest/juice
- Shrimp
- Parmesan and parsley
Pro Tip:
- Use residual heat—after adding shrimp, let it steam off the heat for perfectly tender results.
4. Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Why You’ll Love It: Bold Cajun seasoning kicks this dish up a notch.
Ingredients:
- Long-grain rice
- Shrimp
- Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, oregano)
- Chicken broth
Pro Tip:
- Brown the shrimp first for extra flavor, then set aside and add back at the end.
5. Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)
Why You’ll Love It: Quick, customizable, and packed with veggies and eggs.
Ingredients:
- Day-old rice (key for texture!)
- Shrimp
- Frozen peas/carrots
- Soy sauce, sesame oil
Pro Tip:
- Use cold rice to avoid mushiness—freshly cooked rice turns sticky when stir-fried.
6. Skinny Shrimp Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It: A lighter version with brown rice, edamame, and reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Ingredients:
- Brown Basmati rice
- Cooked shrimp
- Egg whites
- Sesame oil
Pro Tip:
- Squeeze lemon over shrimp before cooking to brighten the flavors.
7. Lemony Shrimp Over Brown Rice
Why You’ll Love It: A light, wine-infused shrimp dish served over nutty brown rice.
Ingredients:
- Brown rice
- Shrimp
- White wine, lemon juice
- Garlic, parsley
Pro Tip:
- Thicken the sauce with a bit of cornstarch for a glossy finish.
8. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Why You’ll Love It: Budget-friendly and bursting with garlic and lemon flavors.
Ingredients:
- Long-grain rice
- Shrimp
- Garlic, butter, lemon
- Tony Chachere’s seasoning
Pro Tip:
- Cook in a rice cooker for hands-off prep—just add shrimp at the end.
9. Taiwanese-Style Shrimp Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It: Ultra-flavorful with oyster sauce and white pepper.
Ingredients:
- Cold cooked rice
- Shrimp (marinated in soy sauce + cornstarch)
- Eggs, green onions
- Vegetarian oyster sauce
Pro Tip:
- Marinate shrimp for 10 minutes to lock in flavor and tenderness.
10. Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice (Bonus!)
Why You’ll Love It: A rich, creamy twist with garlic butter and herbs.
Ingredients:
- White rice
- Shrimp
- Heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan
Pro Tip:
- Deglaze the pan with white wine for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and rice dishes are quick, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you prefer Mediterranean spices, Cajun heat, or classic Asian flavors, there’s a recipe here for every craving.
