Fragrant Basmati Rice with Shrimp – Delicate Sunday Dinner
Enjoy a subtly spiced and aromatic basmati rice paired perfectly with tender shrimp. The gentle seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp without overpowering them, making it an ideal dinner dish for a relaxed Sunday meal.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍽️ Servings: 3
🥄 Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 20-25 fresh shrimp (approx. 350 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 2 cm fresh ginger grated + 4 garlic cloves crushed)
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- 5-6 large mint leaves
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Indian-Style Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 whole cloves
- 2-3 green cardamom pods (slightly crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 1 cm)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
Rinse basmati rice several times until water runs clear. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
In a pot, bring water to a boil with salt, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and turmeric powder.
Drain rice well and add it to the boiling water. Boil briefly, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, place a clean kitchen towel over the pot to absorb excess moisture, replace the lid, turn off heat, and let the rice steam for 15 minutes undisturbed.
Remove lid and discard whole spices. - Cook the Shrimp:
While the rice steams, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion until it starts to brown, about 10 minutes.
Add ginger-garlic paste and chili powder, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat. Cook shrimp until they turn pink on both sides, about 2 minutes.
Stir in butter, chopped parsley, and mint, sauté for 1 more minute. - Combine and Serve:
Add the steamed rice to the shrimp mixture, gently folding to combine evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Cover skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve warm.
💡 Tips
- Soaking basmati rice enhances fluffiness and shortens cooking time.
- Use fresh herbs like mint and parsley for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Cook shrimp briefly to keep them tender and juicy.
- The towel-steaming technique ensures perfectly cooked rice without excess moisture.
🎉 Perfect For
- Light and flavorful dinners
- Seafood lovers looking for delicate spice
- Indian-inspired home cooking
📝 Final Thoughts
This fragrant basmati rice with shrimp recipe balances subtle spices and fresh herbs to highlight the shrimp’s natural sweetness. The careful steaming of the rice ensures perfect texture, making it an elegant yet easy dish for any occasion.