Shrimp Recipes With Rice and Vegetables for Easy Meals

When it comes to quick, wholesome, and utterly delicious meals, shrimp recipes with rice and vegetables are absolute winners. This combination perfectly balances protein, carbs, and fiber-rich veggies, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.

Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or a comforting one-pot dish, shrimp with rice and vegetables can be adapted to suit any palate or occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of colorful vegetables while enjoying the sweet, tender flavor of shrimp.

Let’s dive into some easy-to-follow recipes that bring vibrant colors, delightful textures, and bold flavors right to your table.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to create mouthwatering shrimp dishes paired with fluffy rice and an array of vegetables. From simple stir-fries to cozy casseroles, each recipe is designed to be approachable yet packed with flavor.

Ready your skillet and let’s explore these fantastic shrimp recipes that will quickly become staples in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity meets nutrition in these shrimp and rice recipes, making them perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick but satisfying meal. Shrimp cooks rapidly and absorbs flavors beautifully, while rice offers a comforting base that pairs well with an endless variety of vegetables.

These recipes are incredibly versatile—you can use fresh or frozen shrimp, swap out vegetables based on what’s in season, and tailor spices to your liking. They’re also great for meal prepping since they reheat well without losing texture or taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, these dishes offer a perfect balance of ease, taste, and health benefits. Plus, they bring a splash of color and freshness to your plate that’s as appealing visually as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp lemon juice or lime juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium saucepan with lid for cooking rice
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing shrimp and vegetables)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 ½ cups of broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Cook the shrimp: While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add mixed vegetables: Add your choice of vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine shrimp and rice: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in the cooked rice and drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the mixture. Mix everything well to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish with lemon juice and garnish: Remove from heat and drizzle the lemon or lime juice over the dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh finish.
7. Serve immediately: Portion onto plates or bowls and enjoy your colorful, flavorful shrimp, rice, and vegetable meal.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can easily swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.

Try adding different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to change up the texture and flavors.

For an extra burst of flavor, marinate your shrimp in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and chili powder for 15 minutes before cooking.

Looking for some spice? Incorporate a homemade chili powder blend to your seasoning mix for a smoky kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber raita to balance the spices and add refreshing coolness.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm naan or crusty bread to soak up any juices. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the seafood flavors wonderfully.

Additionally, try pairing your shrimp and vegetable rice bowl with some steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a delightful Asian-inspired feast. For more vegetable-packed recipes, explore A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Delicious Shrimp Rice and Vegetable Recipe Variations

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggie Fried Rice

This recipe amps up the flavor by cooking shrimp in a luscious garlic butter sauce and tossing them with fried rice loaded with peas, carrots, and scallions. It’s a comforting, quick stir-fry that satisfies cravings for something savory and rich.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
4. Add the cooked rice, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
5. Stir in soy sauce, shrimp, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Vegetable Rice

Bring bold southern flavors to your dinner table with this spicy Cajun shrimp recipe served over a bed of vegetable rice. The aromatic spices and veggies make this a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook rice in chicken broth according to package instructions. Stir in diced tomatoes and bell pepper halfway through cooking.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes each side until opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
5. Serve shrimp over the vegetable rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Coconut Curry Shrimp with Jasmine Rice and Veggies

This creamy, fragrant dish combines tender shrimp cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce, served alongside fluffy jasmine rice and sautéed seasonal vegetables. It’s a comforting meal with a lovely balance of sweet and spicy notes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and snap peas; sauté for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
4. Add coconut milk and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Season with salt and lime juice.
6. Serve curry shrimp over jasmine rice and garnish with fresh herbs.

For more vibrant and healthy vegetable recipes, be sure to check out Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and explore Asian Vegetarian Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals to complement your plate.

Conclusion

Shrimp recipes with rice and vegetables are a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and nutrition that anyone can enjoy. From the quick garlic butter shrimp fried rice to the exotic coconut curry shrimp, each recipe brings its own unique twist to this classic combination.

Not only are these dishes easy to prepare, but they also offer endless opportunities to customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these meals are sure to please and provide wholesome satisfaction.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and enjoyment, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices. And if you want to broaden your recipe collection, don’t miss the chance to visit our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

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