Simple Seafood Rice
Try this Simple Seafood Rice recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Simple Seafood Rice recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1 cup dry jasmine rice (about 2 cups cooked)
- 340 g (12oz) squid (calamari) rings
- 340 g (12oz) raw shrimp peeled and deveined (i used wild-caught alsakan shrimp)
- 1 tsp ghee (store-bought or homemade)
- Carbohydrate 6.57460333326719 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.143646666662122 g
- Fiber 1.57056664955802 g
- Protein 1.19122999998496 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0304829999987367 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (301g)
- Sodium 3.21866666664232 mg
- Sugar 5.00403668370917 g
- Trans Fat 0.0617579999983769 g
- Calories 31 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the rice according to instructions on package and while that's happening, place the squid rings and shrimp in a colander or fine mesh sieve to drain.
- When the rice is fully cooked, melt half the ghee in a wok or large skillet set over medium-high heat; add the onion, salt and pepper and sauté until golden, slightly softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper, snow peas, garlic and fresh thyme and sauté for about 30 seconds; remove to a plate.
- Place the wok back over the heat source and crank up heat to high. Melt the rest of the ghee and when the skillet is super hot, add the shrimp and squid rings.
- Cook, sautéing almost constantly, until the seafood turns opaque and the squid rings start to "curl", about 3 to 4 minutes. If the seafood releases too much liquid, causing it to boil as opposed to brown, simply remove the excess liquid and resume sautéing.
- When the seafood is fully cooked, return the reserved veggies to the wok, add the cooked rice and stir delicately until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Simple Seafood Rice: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. This Simple Seafood Rice dish is my go-to when I need a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It's surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight when I'm juggling work deadlines and after-school activities. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. Don't have snow peas? Substitute with broccoli florets or green beans. No fresh thyme? Dried thyme works just fine. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible—it truly makes a difference in the final taste.
I love seafood because it's packed with protein and essential nutrients, and it cooks incredibly quickly. This recipe uses shrimp and squid, both readily available and relatively inexpensive. The jasmine rice provides a delicate sweetness that complements the seafood beautifully. The subtle hint of Himalayan salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, and a touch of ghee adds a rich, nutty aroma. I usually make a double batch on the weekends and store the leftovers for quick lunches during the week. It's just as delicious cold as it is hot, making it a perfect meal prep option. The process of making this dish is remarkably straightforward, and it's a great way to involve the kids in the cooking process too. They can help with chopping the vegetables or stirring the rice, making it a fun family activity.
The most important aspect of this recipe, for me, is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, vegetables, or even add a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice for extra zing. Perhaps you prefer mussels or scallops over shrimp and squid? Go for it! You could even add some chopped chili peppers for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless. Ultimately, this recipe is a template, a framework for you to build upon and customize to your own tastes and preferences. What truly matters is creating a meal that nourishes your body and brings joy to your family.
Beyond its simplicity and versatility, this dish has a certain elegance. The vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables make it visually appealing, and the fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks is simply irresistible. It's the kind of meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated—a perfect balance that fits seamlessly into my busy life. For me, cooking is not just about sustenance; it's about creating moments of connection and sharing delicious food with the people I love. This simple seafood rice recipe helps me do just that, and I hope it does the same for you.
Ingredients I love to use:
- Wild-caught Alaskan shrimp: The sustainability aspect is important to me, and these shrimp have a wonderful, delicate flavor.
- Fresh thyme: The fresh herbs make all the difference in this dish. If fresh thyme isn't available, dried thyme can be used, but use about 1/3 of the amount.
- Himalayan pink salt: This adds a subtle, nuanced flavor to the dish that ordinary table salt can't replicate.
- Jasmine rice: Its delicate sweetness perfectly complements the seafood and vegetables. Long grain rice could be a nice alternative.
- Ghee: The nutty flavor of ghee adds a richness and depth to the dish. If you don't have ghee, you can substitute with butter or olive oil.
Tips for success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the shrimp and squid, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the seafood from steaming instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
- Cook the seafood until opaque: Make sure the seafood is fully cooked through before adding the vegetables and rice. Undercooked seafood can be dangerous, so err on the side of caution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately after cooking. The seafood and rice will stay best when consumed fresh.
This Simple Seafood Rice recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and quick preparation. It's a dish that allows me to nourish my family with delicious food, even amidst the chaos of a busy life. I encourage you to try it and see for yourself!
