Recipe: Mexican-Inspired Shrimp and Rice

This colorful Mexican-inspired dish takes you on a flavorful journey of herbs and spices for Cinco de Mayo and beyond. The smoky heat of chili powder, earthy tones of cumin, and the fresh zing of cilantro bring vibrant aromatics to the mouthwatering shrimp and rice. Get ready to turn up the heat with this shrimp dish that’s equal parts festive and healthy.

Jen Tanner is the co-founder of Fern Farm, a microgreens farm and delivery service based in Warwick. Learn more at FernFarm.net.

Mexican-Inspired Shrimp and Rice

SHRIMP

• 2 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 Tbsp cumin

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced

• 1 lime

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped,
   plus additional for serving

YELLOW RICE

• 6 Tbsp butter

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

• 2 tsp fresh minced garlic

• 2 tsp dried minced onion

• 2 tsp ground turmeric

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp salt

• Ground black pepper to taste

• 4 Tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

Steps

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp and dry spices together. Keep in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to marinate.

2. Once shrimp is finished marinating, begin preparing the rice. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until it begins to slightly brown. Add garlic, onion powder, and turmeric and stir.

3. Slowly stir in chicken broth and raise heat to medium high. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mix to a boil, and then turn the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.

4. In a separate large skillet, add the marinated shrimp, red pepper, and jalapeño and saute on medium high heat just until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Squeeze juice from half of the lime over shrimp mixture. Toss with cilantro.

6. When the rice is ready, remove from heat, add cilantro, and fluff with a fork.

7. Serve the shrimp on top of yellow rice. Garnish with lime slices and cilantro, and enjoy!

Celebrate Local

Make your Cinco de Mayo reservations early at authentic Mexican restaurants in South County.

Amigos Taqueria Y Tequila, Westerly

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant, North Kingstown

Maiz, Wakefield

Surf Cantina, Westerly

Shop Spices

For seasonings with a kick, try these local brands and shops:

Back to Basics Natural Foods, East Greenwich

Herbwise Naturals, Westerly

Pepper Junction, Richmond

Ocean State Pepper Co.