10 Easy Shrimp and Rice Recipes for a Quick Meal

Shrimp and rice make a perfect meal when you need something quick and delicious! They cook fast, taste great together, and can be made in many different ways. Whether you like spicy, creamy, or light flavors, there’s a shrimp and rice recipe for you.

In this list of 10 easy shrimp and rice recipes, you’ll find simple meals that are full of flavor. These recipes are perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.So, grab your wooden spoon—or your babcia’s trusty ladle—and let’s get cooking. Smacznego!

1. Shrimp Fried Rice

This Shrimp Fried Rice is a speedy delight, ready in just 20 minutes—faster than your wujek can start a debate at the table. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Add 300g of peeled shrimp and cook them until they turn pink, which takes about 3 minutes. Next, toss in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, sautéing for 2 minutes, then push everything to one side of the pan.

Crack an egg into the empty space, scramble it quickly, and mix it with the shrimp and veggies. Stir in 2 cups of cold, cooked rice along with 2 chopped green onions, then drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the top.

Fry it all together for another 3-4 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly crispy. For a Polish flair, swap the soy sauce with Polish Maggi seasoning—a kitchen staple—and serve with pickled cucumbers for that tangy crunch we adore.

Customize it with sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of dill for a forest-inspired twist.

2. One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

Ingredients:

• 400g shrimp
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter

Process:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add rice and toast it for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add shrimp, cover again, and cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.
6. Garnish with lemon zest.

Polish Twist: Replace lemon juice with pickled beet juice for a vibrant pink color and earthy flavor.

Make It Yours: Stir in a dollop of śmietana (sour cream) for a creamy Polish finish.

3. Shrimp Paella

For a 30-minute escape to Spain with a Polish twist, Shrimp Paella is your go-to. Heat some oil in a wide pan and sauté 300g of shrimp until they’re pink, about 3 minutes, then set them aside.

In the same pan, cook 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft and aromatic. Stir in 1 cup of rice and a pinch of saffron (or ½ teaspoon turmeric if you’re keeping it budget-friendly), then pour in 2 cups of chicken broth.

Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors. Add 1 cup of peas and return the shrimp to the pan, cooking for another 5 minutes until everything melds beautifully. Finish with lemon wedges for brightness.

Add a Polish touch with a pinch of smoked paprika and a side of sauerkraut, blending cultures in a way that’ll have your guests dancing a polka. Toss in some sliced kiełbasa for a hearty twist if you’re feeling bold.

4. Shrimp Bowl

Ingredients:

• 350g shrimp
• 1 cup rice
• 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 carrot (shredded)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Process:

1. Cook rice and let it cool slightly.
2. Marinate shrimp in teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes.
3. Sauté shrimp in a pan for 4-5 minutes until cooked.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and carrot.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Polish Twist: Swap teriyaki for a honey-mustard sauce made with Polish mustard for a sweet-spicy kick.

Make It Yours: Add pickled red cabbage for a colorful, tangy Polish vibe.

5. Spicy Shrimp Soup

When you need a warm, fiery hug on a chilly Polish evening, this Spicy Shrimp Soup delivers in under 30 minutes.

Start by heating oil in a pot and sautéing 1 chopped jalapeno and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2 minutes until they release their bold aromas. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock and add ½ cup of rice, letting it simmer for 15 minutes as the rice softens.

Toss in 300g of shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes until they’re pink and succulent. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh zing.

For a Polish spin, swap the jalapeno for Polish hot peppers or a dash of Tabasco, and serve with a thick slice of rye bread—perfect for dunking. Add some kale or a swirl of śmietana to make it heartier and more comforting.

6. Shrimp and Rice Salad

Ingredients:

• 300g shrimp
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• ½ red onion (chopped)
• Dressing (3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey)

Process:

1. Cook rice and let it cool.
2. Sauté shrimp until pink, about 4 minutes, then cool.
3. Mix rice, shrimp, and veggies in a bowl.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients and toss everything together.
5. Serve chilled.

Polish Twist: Use Polish honey and mustard in the dressing, plus chopped dill pickles for crunch.

Make It Yours: Swap rice for barley for a traditional Polish nutty flavor.

7. Shrimp Curry

This Shrimp Curry brings tropical comfort to your table in less time than it takes to make bigos. Heat oil in a pan and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until they soften and fill the kitchen with their savory scent.

Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder, stirring to toast the spices for a minute, then pour in 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk and 1 diced tomato. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors into a rich sauce.

Add 350g of shrimp and cook for 5 minutes until they’re pink and tender, then serve over cooked rice.

For a Polish twist, mix in a spoonful of Polish tomato paste for a deeper, sweeter taste. Throw in diced apples or raisins for a nod to Polish fruit-in-savoury traditions if you’re feeling creative.

8. Shrimp and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 300g shrimp
• 1 cup rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 celery stalk (chopped)

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden.

Polish Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for that beloved forest flavor.

Make It Yours: Top with breadcrumbs and marjoram for a crispy, herby crust.

9. Shrimp Burrito

Imagine a Polish pierogi taking a wild trip to Mexico—that’s this Shrimp Burrito. Cook 1 cup of rice and set it aside to cool slightly.

In a pan, sauté 300g of shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper for 4 minutes until they’re pink and juicy. Warm 4 tortillas, then layer each with a portion of rice, 1 cup of black beans, the cooked shrimp, 1 cup of shredded cheese, ½ cup of salsa, and ¼ cup of sour cream.

Roll them up tightly and serve right away for a handheld treat. For a Polish twist, use śmietana instead of sour cream and add sautéed cabbage for a familiar flavor.

Swap tortillas for Polish naleśniki (crepes) if you want a fusion that’s uniquely delicious.

10. Shrimp and Rice Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 350g shrimp
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup broccoli (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)

Process:

1. Cook rice and set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté shrimp for 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and veggies, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in rice and soy sauce, fry for 3 more minutes.

Polish Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy Polish edge.

Make It Yours: Toss in sliced kiełbasa for extra heartiness.

Conclusion

Shrimp and rice are a perfect pair for quick and tasty meals. With these 10 easy recipes, you can enjoy different flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you like spicy, creamy, or light dishes, there’s something for everyone to try.

Next time you need a fast and delicious meal, pick one of these shrimp and rice recipes and enjoy! Happy cooking!