Imagine a single skillet that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. This Tomato Shrimp and Spinach Rice isn't just a meal—it's a vibrant, flavor-packed journey that combines succulent shrimp, tender rice, and nutritious spinach in a symphony of tastes that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the tomato mixture. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth for additional flavor.
- Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is nearly tender.
- Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the top of the rice, spreading them evenly.
- Cover and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Gently fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the rice for the last minute of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring shrimp and spinach are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains that don't become sticky.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch your shrimp carefully—they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Flavor Boosting: Consider using chicken broth instead of water to add an extra layer of depth to your rice's flavor profile.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach if possible, as it wilts beautifully and retains more nutrients compared to frozen alternatives.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs like oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes to customize the dish to your taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is a true one-skillet meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor retention.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 264kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
