Are you tired of the same old recipes and looking for something new to add to your dinner menu? Look no further than shrimp and crispy rice with citrus! This delicious and nutritious dish is perfect for those who want to add some variety to their meal plans. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this dish, from its history and ingredients to its health benefits and cooking tips.
History of Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
Shrimp and crispy rice with citrus is a dish that originates from Southeast Asia, specifically from Thailand and Vietnam. This dish has been around for centuries and is popular among locals and tourists alike. It’s a staple dish in many restaurants and street food stalls in the region, and its popularity has spread worldwide in recent years.
How to Make Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need these:
Ingredients for Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
- 1 cup medium- or long-grain white rice
- ½tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
- 12 oz. mixed citrus (such as Cara Cara oranges, blood oranges, and/or grapefruit)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ tsp. mild chile flakes, plus more for serving
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups arugula
Cooking Instructions for Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
Step 1
Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Place in a medium saucepan; add ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt and 1¼ cups water. Stir well, then bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cook, undisturbed, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and fluff rice with a fork.
Step 2
Meanwhile, slice an orange in half and finely grate in zest from 1 half into a large bowl. Squeeze juice from the same half through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard seeds (if using grapefruit, use 2 tsp. zest and 3 Tbsp. juice). Whisk in garlic, lime juice, and 2 Tbsp. oil, and ½ tsp. mild chile flakes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, remove the peel and white pith from the remaining citrus; discard. Slice citrus into ¼”-thick rounds; set aside.
Step 4
Pat shrimp dry; season with salt. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Cook shrimp, tossing occasionally, until bright pink and cooked through about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with dressing; toss to coat.
Step 5
Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in the same pan over medium-high. Add rice; press into an even layer with a spoon. Cook, undisturbed, until lightly golden and crisp underneath, 6–8 minutes. Divide rice among plates, arranging crisped side up.
Step 6
Add avocado, onion, arugula, and reserved citrus rounds to bowl with shrimp and season with salt; toss well. Spoon over rice; drizzle any remaining dressing on top. Sprinkle mild chile flakes over.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, while citrus fruits like oranges and limes provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. Ginger and garlic are also known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
