Arroz con Camarones (Shrimp Rice)

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined 🍤
• 2 tbsp lime juice 🍋
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• For the Rice:
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 0.5 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 0.5 cup recaito (cilantro, culantro, garlic, and peppers blended) 🌿
• 2 ají dulce or 1 jalapeño, finely chopped 🌶️
• 2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• 1 tsp ground cumin 🏺
• 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed 🍚
• 4 cups shrimp or seafood broth 🍲
• 0.5 cup green peas (optional) 🌱
• 0.5 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives 🫒
• 1 tbsp butter 🧈
• For Garnishing:
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• Lime wedges 🍋
• Avocado slices 🥑

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Marinate the Shrimp
2. 2In a bowl, combine shrimp with lime juice, minced garlic, and adobo seasoning. Let marinate while preparing the rice. 🍤✨
3. 32️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
4. 4Heat olive oil in a large pot or caldero over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, recaito, and ají dulce until fragrant and softened. 🧅🌿
5. 53️⃣ Build the Flavor
6. 6Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and olives. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen. 🍅🔥
7. 74️⃣ Cook the Rice
8. 8Add rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat in the seasoning. Pour in shrimp broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy. 🍚⏳
9. 95️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
10. 10In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and tender. 🍤🧈
11. 116️⃣ Combine & Serve
12. 12Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices. Pair with crispy tostones or a fresh green salad. 🌿🍋