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A vibrant bowl of shrimp and rice, garnished with fresh herbs.

Classic Smoky Chipotle & Lime Shrimp and Rice

This vibrant dish features plump, smoky chipotle-lime shrimp served alongside fluffy rice, with notes of cumin and paprika. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet or wok
  • paper towels
  • bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Rice

  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice Jasmine or Basmati
  • 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth or water
  • salt Pinch of

For the Shrimp & Flavor Base

  • 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
  • 1-2 teaspoons Chipotle Powder adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cumin
  • 2-3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Butter optional
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 0.5 small Onion, finely diced
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

For Finishing

  • 1-2 Limes juice and zest
  • 0.25 cup fresh Cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • black beans, rinsed and drained Optional: 1/2 can

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice

  • Rinse rice, then combine with broth and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  • Keep rice covered off the heat while preparing the shrimp.

Prepare the Shrimp

  • Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.

Sauté Aromatics and Cook Shrimp

  • Heat olive oil and optional butter in a skillet; add onion and cook until softened for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp.

Combine and Finish

  • Remove cooked shrimp from heat and stir in the cooked rice. Squeeze in lime juice and stir in lime zest.
  • Fold in rinsed and drained black beans if desired, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chipotle powder. Serving with a side of avocado or a dollop of sour cream can balance the spice. This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.