This Shrimp, Peas, and Rice dish is a family favorite that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! With minimal prep and no chopping required, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender shrimp, sweet peas, and fluffy rice creates a light yet satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a great go-to recipe when you need something fast and flavorful!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
- While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the shrimp. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix it into the shrimp and peas. Stir well to combine.
- Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges for added brightness and flavor.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Total Fat: ~6g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~400mg
This simple yet satisfying seafood dish is a great option for quick dinners, meal prep, or a healthy, protein-packed meal.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When life gets hectic, it’s important to have a few go-to recipes that you can rely on for a quick yet satisfying dinner. Shrimp, Peas, and Rice fits that bill perfectly. It takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. The best part is that it requires minimal prep work – there’s no need to chop vegetables or spend time on complex sauces. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the rice is prepared easily with just a few ingredients, making this dish a breeze to whip up after a long day.
Moreover, this meal is flexible and can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes. You can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences or even add a variety of vegetables if you wish. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a simple meal for one, this dish can be scaled to fit your needs. It’s also great for meal prep, as the leftovers keep well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner later in the week.
The Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
This Shrimp, Peas, and Rice dish offers a variety of nutritional benefits, making it a well-rounded meal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, maintaining healthy skin, and supporting immune function. A 4-ounce serving of shrimp provides around 25 grams of protein, which is ideal for those who want to keep their protein intake high without adding too much fat or calories.
Peas, on the other hand, are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and they provide a good source of fiber. Fiber plays an important role in digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In addition to fiber, peas contain folate, which is important for cell division and the formation of red blood cells, and manganese, which supports bone health and metabolism.
The rice in this dish, while a simple carbohydrate, provides a source of energy that is quickly utilized by the body. White rice is a good source of B vitamins, which help with energy production and the formation of red blood cells. It also contains a small amount of iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
When you combine shrimp, peas, and rice, you get a balanced meal that offers protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all while remaining low in fat and calories. This makes it a great option for those seeking a healthy, satisfying meal without overloading on calories or unhealthy fats.
How to Customize the Recipe
One of the great things about Shrimp, Peas, and Rice is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. If you like your meals a little spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the seasoning mix for an added kick. A squeeze of fresh lime juice instead of lemon can also change the flavor profile, offering a more tropical twist.
For those who prefer a more savory dish, you could experiment with adding a bit of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking the shrimp and peas. This will add depth and complexity to the dish, making it feel more like an Asian-inspired stir-fry. Alternatively, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can give the rice an extra layer of flavor, making it creamier and more indulgent.
If you want to make the dish more hearty, consider adding some additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or corn. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the dish. You can also switch up the rice by using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a whole-grain or lower-carb option.
For a more festive or elegant touch, try garnishing the dish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro. These herbs will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, making it more visually appealing. You can also toss in a handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
Shrimp, Peas, and Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. To keep the meal light and fresh, serve it with a side of crisp salad, such as a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. This will balance out the richness of the shrimp and rice while adding more vegetables to your meal. Alternatively, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini would pair beautifully with this dish, adding both color and nutrition.
For those looking to make the meal more substantial, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful juices from the shrimp and peas. A light, refreshing beverage like sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced tea would complement this dish perfectly, offering a balance of flavors.
The Versatility of Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
What makes Shrimp, Peas, and Rice even more appealing is its versatility. This dish can easily be transformed into a variety of meals, depending on what you have on hand or the season. During the summer months, you can incorporate fresh peas and other in-season vegetables, while in the winter, frozen peas and hearty greens like spinach or kale can be added to create a warming meal. You can also try using different types of shrimp, such as large tiger shrimp or even precooked shrimp, to change the texture of the dish.
Additionally, Shrimp, Peas, and Rice is an ideal base for making a seafood stir-fry. Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, and a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce to create a stir-fry version of this dish. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a meal that suits your personal taste.
Conclusion
Shrimp, Peas, and Rice is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the best of seafood and simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious, or for meal prepping when you want to have healthy meals ready to go. With its protein-packed shrimp, fiber-rich peas, and fluffy rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of nutrients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility – you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great option for a wide range of occasions. Whether you enjoy it as a simple weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal, Shrimp, Peas, and Rice is sure to become a family favorite. With its minimal prep, short cooking time, and delicious flavors, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for any night of the week.