Craving a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that's both impressive and satisfying? Look no further than this delicious shrimp pilaf recipe, perfectly cooked in your rice cooker for effortless preparation. This vibrant dish combines tender shrimp with fluffy rice, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a burst of zesty lemon, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It's the perfect blend of comfort food and sophisticated flair, suitable for a casual dinner or a more elegant gathering.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times! This shrimp pilaf recipe utilizes the convenience of a rice cooker to simplify the process significantly. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you'll be enjoying this delightful dish in under 30 minutes. Ready to dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions and create this culinary masterpiece? Let's get cooking!
Tools Needed
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Thaw frozen shrimp in salted water (1 tsp salt per bowl of water) to keep them plump.
- Rinse and drain the thawed shrimp.
- Rinse normally and soak in water for 30 minutes.
- Finely chop onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Slice bell peppers into thin strips.
![Thaw frozen shrimp in salted water (1 tsp salt per bowl of water) to keep them plump. [121.719]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/129.719/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Rinse and drain the thawed shrimp. [286.199]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/258.6472/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Prepare the rice: Rinse normally and soak in water for 30 minutes. [148.44]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/152.288/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Finely chop onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Slice bell peppers into thin strips. [167.68]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/175.68/shot.jpg?width=700)
- Drain the soaked rice.
![Drain the soaked rice. [369.479]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/369.9512/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 2. Sauté and Combine
- Lightly fry onions, garlic, mushrooms, and shrimp in butter until the shrimp is about 40-50% cooked and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- In the rice cooker, combine drained rice with beef broth, mirin, and sake. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add water to just below the second mark on the rice cooker.
- Add the stir-fried shrimp and vegetables to the rice cooker. Mix well.
![Lightly fry onions, garlic, mushrooms, and shrimp in butter until the shrimp is about 40-50% cooked and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper. [296.4]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/304.4/shot.jpg?width=700)
![In the rice cooker, combine drained rice with beef broth, mirin, and sake. Season with salt and pepper. [371.84]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/376.632/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Add water to just below the second mark on the rice cooker. [395.8]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/398.272/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Add the stir-fried shrimp and vegetables to the rice cooker. Mix well. [408.16]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/410.264/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 3. Cook and Finish
- Add corn. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker's instructions.
- Once cooked, stir in butter and bell peppers (reserve some for garnish). Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on to let the peppers soften and brighten in color.
![Add corn. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker's instructions. [418.68]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/421.0078/shot.jpg?width=700)
![Once cooked, stir in butter and bell peppers (reserve some for garnish). Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on to let the peppers soften and brighten in color. [430.319]](https://img.akanecuisine.com/yt/1067466889786392578/438.319/shot.jpg?width=700)
Step 4. Serve
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl
Tips
- Soaking shrimp in salt water before freezing helps maintain plumpness. Avoid refreezing in fresh water or microwave.
- Lightly stir-frying vegetables before adding to the rice cooker enhances flavor.
- Add peppers after rice is cooked to prevent color dulling and stickiness.
- Add butter at the end to preserve flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the rice cooker.
2. What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best for a fluffy pilaf. Avoid using short-grain or brown rice as they may become mushy.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
This shrimp pilaf recipe, made effortlessly in your rice cooker, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From its vibrant flavors to its simple preparation, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and convenient meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own!