14+ Shrimp and Rice Recipes Full of Fresh Flavor

I still remember the first summer my partner and I leaned on shrimp and rice to get dinner on the table when we both worked late. One pan of quick sautéed shrimp, a pot of fragrant rice, a squeeze of citrus and suddenly we had a meal that felt like a small celebration. That habit turned into a lineup of favorite combinations, which is how I collected these 14+ Shrimp and Rice Recipes Full of Fresh Flavor for nights when I want something fast, bright, and satisfying.

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright, quick, and comforting. This is the sort of dinner you make on a weeknight when you want something light but still feel like you put effort into the meal. Kids and grown ups both like the citrus lift, and it reheats well for lunches.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear then combine with broth in a pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until tender about 18 minutes then fluff.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sauté garlic until fragrant about 30 seconds.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Toss the rice with remaining tablespoon olive oil and chopped parsley.
6. Serve shrimp arranged over rice and spoon any pan juices on top.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking for gentle heat.

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a balanced plate.

2. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

These bowls are bright and customizable. Great for casual family dinners or for prepping lunches for the week. The tangy lime and fresh cilantro make leftover rice taste lively.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 avocado sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice with water according to package then fluff and let cool slightly.
2. Stir lime zest juice and chopped cilantro into the rice and season.
3. Toss shrimp with olive oil salt and pepper.
4. Grill or sauté shrimp over medium high heat until opaque about 2 minutes per side.
5. Assemble bowls with a base of cilantro lime rice then top with shrimp avocado and lime wedges.

Swap This With That: Swap avocado for sliced mango for a sweet twist.

Meal Prep Tip: Store components separately in meal prep containers to keep avocado from browning.

3. Coconut Curry Shrimp with Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy coconut milk and warm curry spices make for a cozy but still fragrant meal. It’s a great way to stretch a small bit of shrimp across a comforting pot of rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 can 14 ounces coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons red or yellow curry paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Cook jasmine rice according to package.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onion until soft about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and curry paste and cook 2 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth then simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Add shrimp and cook until just done about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt.
5. Spoon curry over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a squeeze of lime to brighten the coconut curry.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid overcooking shrimp by adding them at the end and watching closely until opaque.

4. Shrimp Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots

Why You’ll Love It:

Classic takeout flavors with control over the ingredients. This uses day old rice for perfect texture and comes together quickly, which is great on busy evenings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 cups cooked day old white rice
• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 scallions sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet and scramble eggs until just set then remove.
2. Add remaining oil and sauté shrimp until pink then remove.
3. Add rice to the skillet and spread out allow to toast a minute then stir fry.
4. Stir in peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
5. Return eggs and shrimp to skillet then add soy sauce and scallions. Toss and serve.

Swap This With That: Use brown rice for a nuttier texture.

Best Pairings: Quick cucumber salad and hot chili oil on the side.

5. Cajun Shrimp and Dirty Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold, smoky, and a little spicy. This skillet feels like a weekend dinner but is fast enough for a weeknight. Great when you want comfort with personality.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 3 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 2 ribs celery chopped
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a heavy skillet heat oil and sauté onion bell pepper and celery until softened about 6 minutes.
2. Stir in rice and Cajun seasoning then toast briefly.
3. Add chicken broth bring to a simmer cover and reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender about 18 minutes.
4. Meanwhile toss shrimp with a pinch of Cajun seasoning and cook in a separate pan about 2 minutes per side.
5. Fold shrimp into the rice and serve hot.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t lift the lid while rice is cooking or it will take longer to absorb liquid.

6. Garlic Butter Shrimp over Parmesan Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Rich and indulgent without being heavy. The garlic butter coats the shrimp and the parmesan rice makes every bite silky. Great for date night at home.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups arborio or short grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth warmed
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan sauté rice in 1 tablespoon butter briefly then add warm broth one ladle at a time stirring until absorbed until rice is creamy about 20 minutes total.
2. Stir parmesan into the rice and season.
3. In a skillet melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant then add shrimp and cook until opaque 2 to 3 minutes per side.
4. Spoon shrimp over parmesan rice and garnish with thyme.

Serving Idea: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad.

Personal Note: I make this when I want comfort food without turning on the oven.

7. Shrimp and Tomato Risotto with Basil

Why You’ll Love It:

A lighter risotto with bright tomato and fresh basil. It feels special but uses pantry staples and cooks in a single pan.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth kept warm
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent then add arborio rice and toast 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add a ladle of warm broth and stir until mostly absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time stirring until rice is al dente about 18 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and parmesan then season.
4. In a separate pan sauté shrimp quickly until pink.
5. Fold shrimp and torn basil into the risotto then serve.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest at the end for added brightness.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush the stirring process or the risotto won’t become creamy.

8. Shrimp Paella with Saffron Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

A festive one pan meal with saffron aroma and layers of flavor. It’s great for feeding a crowd and looks impressive while being straightforward to make.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 cups bomba or short grain rice
• 4 1/2 cups chicken or seafood broth
• A pinch of saffron threads soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 2 tomatoes grated or chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and smoked paprika to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a wide pan and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Stir in rice and smoked paprika coating the grains.
3. Pour in broth saffron and tomato then simmer uncovered without stirring until rice begins to set about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Nestle shrimp into the rice and cook until shrimp are done about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat let rest five minutes then serve with lemon wedges.

Best Pairings: Crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

9. Shrimp and Brown Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love It:

Earthy mushrooms and nutty brown rice make a satisfying, fiber rich meal. It’s filling without feeling heavy and works well as a leftover lunch.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 3 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a pot sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until browned.
2. Add brown rice and stir to coat. Pour in broth bring to a simmer then cover and cook until rice is tender about 35 minutes.
3. Season shrimp and quickly sauté in a separate pan until pink.
4. Fold shrimp and parsley into the pilaf and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of water to loosen grains.

Swap This With That: Use farro instead of brown rice for a chewier texture.

10. Shrimp Biryani with Fragrant Spices

Why You’ll Love It:

A layered rice dish that brings aromatic spices to the forefront. It feels celebratory and is perfect when you want a strong flavor profile without complicated technique.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 cups basmati rice rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
• 4 cups water or broth
• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Fry sliced onion in oil until golden then remove half for garnish.
2. Sauté garlic and spices in the remaining oil then add shrimp and cook briefly. Remove shrimp.
3. Layer rice in a heavy pot then top with shrimp and reserved fried onion. Pour warm water or broth over.
4. Cover tightly and cook on low until rice is tender about 20 minutes.
5. Fluff gently and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Serving Idea: Serve with cucumber raita or plain yogurt to cool the spices.

Flavor Boost: Add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk and drizzle over rice before closing the pot.

11. Honey Soy Shrimp and Sticky Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet and savory with sticky rice for comfort. Quick to prepare and familiar flavors that work well for an easy weeknight treat.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 cups sushi or short grain rice rinsed
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 scallions sliced

How to Make It:

1. Cook sticky rice with water following package instructions.
2. Mix soy sauce honey sesame oil and garlic in a bowl.
3. Toss shrimp in the sauce and marinate briefly five minutes.
4. Sear shrimp in a hot pan until glazed and cooked through about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5. Serve shrimp alongside compacted sticky rice and sprinkle with scallions.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp peeled and thawed to save money.

Serving Idea: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch.

12. Shrimp and Wild Rice Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

A soothing, brothy option that turns shrimp and rice into a warm bowlable meal. It’s perfect on cooler nights and freezes well for future lunches.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup wild rice blend rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a pot heat oil and sauté onion carrot and celery until soft.
2. Add wild rice and broth bring to a simmer and cook until rice is tender about 30 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and simmer until shrimp are cooked through about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Season and garnish with dill or parsley and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers for easy reheating.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Start wild rice early it takes longer to cook than white rice.

13. Mediterranean Shrimp with Lemon Rice and Olives

Why You’ll Love It:

Olives capers and lemon make this bright and savory. It’s an approachable Mediterranean twist that pairs well with a loaf of bread or a green salad.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon capers drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice in broth then stir in lemon zest and juice.
2. Heat olive oil and sauté shrimp until pink then set aside.
3. Fold olives tomatoes and capers into the rice.
4. Serve shrimp on top of lemon rice and garnish with oregano.

Serving Idea: Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to mop up juices.

Best Pairings: Greek salad and a chilled glass of white wine.

14. Shrimp Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

All the flavors of a burrito without the wrap. Fresh salsa avocado and lime make everyday rice feel festive and customizable for picky eaters.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1 cup fresh tomato salsa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice then stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil salt and pepper then grill or sauté until opaque about 2 minutes per side.
3. Assemble bowls with cilantro rice black beans corn salsa avocado and shrimp.
4. Serve with lime wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep components separate in the fridge and assemble the bowls when ready to eat to keep avocado fresh.

Swap This With That: Use grilled chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for variety.

15. Spicy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Basil Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet coconut rice with a spicy Thai style shrimp topping creates a balance of heat and mellow creaminess. It’s a fun way to bring Southeast Asian flavors to a simple home meal.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 can 14 ounces coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves torn
• 1 tablespoon oil

How to Make It:

1. Cook jasmine rice in coconut milk and water until tender.
2. Mix fish sauce brown sugar and chili garlic sauce for glaze.
3. Sear shrimp in oil and brush with glaze until cooked through about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
4. Serve shrimp over coconut rice and finish with torn Thai basil and lime.

Flavor Boost: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Use moderate heat when cooking the glaze to prevent burning the sugars.

16. Ginger Scallion Shrimp with Brown Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Ginger and scallion bring a clean aromatic profile that brightens hearty brown jasmine rice. Simple and fragrant, it’s an easy dinner with restaurant vibes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups brown jasmine rice
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 3 scallions sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Cook brown jasmine rice until tender.
2. Whisk together soy sauce sesame oil and grated ginger.
3. Heat vegetable oil and sauté shrimp until nearly cooked then add sauce and scallions and cook a minute more.
4. Serve shrimp over rice garnished with extra scallions.

Swap This With That: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten free.

Best Pairings: Pickled cucumber salad and steamed bok choy.

FAQ

Conclusion

These 14 shrimp and rice ideas show how versatile a simple protein and grain can be. From citrusy bowls to saffron paella and cozy soups, small changes in spice fat and technique create very different meals. Trust your tastebuds to tweak seasonings and know that shrimp cooks quickly so most of these come together fast. Keep a bag of frozen shrimp and a few rice staples on hand and you can build a bright flavorful dinner any night of the week.