Asopao de Camarones (Shrimp Rice Stew)

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 0.5 tsp adobo seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• For the Asopao:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, diced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp recaito (cilantro, culantro, garlic, and peppers blended)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 6 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 0.5 cup medium-grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 cup green peas
• 0.5 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives (optional)
• 1 tbsp capers (optional, for briny depth)
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter (for richness, optional)
• For Serving:
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Warm tostones or crusty bread

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp:
2. 21️⃣ In a bowl, toss shrimp with lime juice, adobo, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. 32️⃣ Let sit while preparing the stew to absorb the flavors. 🍤🍋
4. 42️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
5. 51️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large caldero or Dutch oven over medium heat.
6. 62️⃣ Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, and recaito, sautéing until fragrant. 🧄🌿
7. 73️⃣ Build the Base:
8. 81️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
9. 92️⃣ Let cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. 🍅🔥
10. 104️⃣ Simmer the Rice:
11. 111️⃣ Pour in broth, add bay leaf and rice, then bring to a boil.
12. 122️⃣ Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. 🍚🌿
13. 135️⃣ Add the Shrimp & Peas:
14. 141️⃣ Stir in shrimp, peas, olives, and capers.
15. 152️⃣ Let cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
16. 163️⃣ Remove the bay leaf. 🍤✨
17. 176️⃣ Finish & Serve:
18. 181️⃣ Stir in cilantro and butter, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
19. 192️⃣ Serve hot with avocado slices, lime wedges, and tostones. 🍋🥑🔥