Zippy Shrimp and Rice

Zippy Shrimp and Rice Recipe - American Classic Today!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zippy Shrimp and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a zesty tomato sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Zippy Shrimp and Rice is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of shrimp, tomatoes, and spices creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is a favorite in many households and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
0.5 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp prepared horseradish
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 lb (454 g) peeled and de-veined shrimp
cheese (optional as garnish)

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in butter until tender.
Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, basil, oregano, horseradish, and black pepper.
Simmer for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the mixture over hot rice.
If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion and garlic until they are tender to release their full flavor.

- Simmering the tomato sauce for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious sauce.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.

- Garnish with cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zippy Shrimp and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and nutritious meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to devein the shrimp before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

- Simmer the tomato sauce slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Stir the shrimp gently to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil in place of margarine for a healthier option.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if they are in season.

- Use dried herbs in place of fresh if necessary, adjusting the amounts to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Zippy Shrimp and Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal. Simply store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zippy Shrimp and Rice in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for a beautiful presentation. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Zippy Shrimp and Rice pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a sparkling water infused with citrus or cucumber.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Zippy Shrimp and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

- Contains dairy (cheese)

Summary

Zippy Shrimp and Rice is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Zippy Shrimp and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a zesty tomato sauce and tender shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the flavors of this classic dish and savor every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy kitchen. Mary was always trying out new recipes and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes that were full of flavor.

On this particular day, Mary was making her famous Zippy Shrimp and Rice dish. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering. I couldn't wait to see how she put it all together.

As Mary bustled around the kitchen, she told me the story of how she first learned to make this dish. It was many years ago, when she was just a young bride, living in a small coastal town in Louisiana. She had befriended a local fisherman who would bring her fresh shrimp straight from the Gulf.

One day, he invited her to his home for dinner and served her a delicious shrimp and rice dish that was unlike anything she had ever tasted before. She begged him for the recipe, and after much persuasion, he finally agreed to teach her how to make it.

Mary watched intently as he sautéed the shrimp in a spicy Cajun seasoning, adding in bell peppers, onions, and garlic for extra flavor. He then stirred in cooked rice and a secret blend of herbs and spices that made the dish truly special.

After that night, Mary made the dish over and over again, tweaking the recipe here and there until she had perfected it. It became a staple in her household, a dish that her family and friends always looked forward to.

As I listened to Mary's story, I couldn't help but feel inspired. I knew that I had to learn how to make this Zippy Shrimp and Rice dish for myself. Mary graciously shared her recipe with me, telling me that it was now my turn to carry on the tradition.

Back in my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I would need to make the dish. I could still remember the way Mary had expertly chopped the vegetables and seasoned the shrimp, so I tried to mimic her movements as best as I could.

I heated up a large skillet and added in the shrimp, letting them sizzle and brown before tossing in the peppers, onions, and garlic. The aroma that filled my kitchen was reminiscent of that day in Mary's kitchen, and I knew I was on the right track.

Once the vegetables had softened, I added in the cooked rice and a generous amount of Cajun seasoning. I sprinkled in a few secret herbs and spices of my own, hoping to put my own unique twist on the dish.

As I stirred everything together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The dish looked and smelled just like Mary's version, and I knew it was going to be just as delicious.

When I finally plated up the Zippy Shrimp and Rice and took my first bite, I was transported back to that warm summer day in Mary's kitchen. The flavors were bold and spicy, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the rice fluffy and flavorful.

I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe, thanks to Mary's guidance and my own determination to learn. I couldn't wait to share this dish with my own family and friends, passing on the tradition just like Mary had done for me.

And so, the recipe for Zippy Shrimp and Rice became a beloved favorite in my household, just as it had been in Mary's. It was a dish that brought people together, creating memories and moments that would last a lifetime.

As I sat back and savored the last few bites of my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn such a delicious recipe from a dear friend. It was a reminder that cooking is not just about following instructions, but about creating something special and sharing it with the ones you love. And for that, I would always be thankful.