We all have pantry staples that we never leave the store without buying. Rice is certainly one of them, right? Available in a host of varieties, rice provides the base for numerous crowdpleasing meals. One ingredient that people sometimes sleep on is shrimp. Keeping your freezer well-stocked with shrimp means you always have a tasty quick-cook option at your disposal. What’s more, shrimp and rice make for the perfect pairing, and that’s why Minute Rice® is here with three delicious shrimp and rice recipes for you to try at home. Low in fuss and high in flavour, these quick and easy meals work just as well for lunch as they do for dinner.
Why Shrimp and Rice Are A Match Made in Heaven
Shrimp and rice are a natural pairing because they complement each other in both flavour and texture, making them a favourite in Canadian kitchens and beyond. The light, slightly sweet taste of shrimp balances perfectly with the mild, comforting flavour of rice, while the tender bite of shrimp contrasts beautifully with fluffy grains. Together, they create a dish that feels hearty without being heavy, and their versatility means they can be prepared in countless ways—from creamy risottos and stir-fries to fresh rice salads and spicy jambalayas. Packed with protein, nutrients, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates, shrimp and rice meals are not only delicious but also nourishing, making them a smart choice for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Light Lunch or Brunch Option with Shrimp and Rice
To kick things off, let’s try our hand at something fun and feisty. This delightful Shrimp Tostada is a Mexican-inspired recipe you can rustle up in just 10 minutes thanks to Minute Rice® Mexican Rice Cups. A spicy dish made with avocado slices, salsa, shrimp, and cilantro, and served atop a crispy corn tortilla, this convenient dish makes for a flavourful snack or light lunch option any day of the week. What’s more, it works equally well as an appetizer or party snack at gatherings with friends or family.
Hearty and Satisfying Mains
Now that we’ve looked at a lighter option, let’s turn our attention to main dishes. When you’ve got a busy week ahead, efficient meal prep is essential. Having a tasty lunch or dinner meal in mind can help you cope with whatever the week throws at you, and that’s what makes shrimp and rice such a perfect combo. Not only do these ingredients go wonderfully together, but they also open up a world of possibilities when it comes time to cook.
For lovers of filling and flavour-rich meals, we’ve got a scintillating recipe that you’ll want to try right away. We’re talking about our Lime Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice. Ready in 25 minutes, it boasts a winning combo of aromatic herbs and spices, zesty lime, and fragrant Minute Rice® Quick Cook Jasmine. This simple dish is so tasty you may consider cooking a large batch and storing in the freezer, that way you’ll never be stuck for a delicious meal to enjoy midweek.
Jambalaya – A Gourmet Meal in Minutes
Finally, for a meal that boasts a mouthwatering medley of ingredients, how about trying this Shrimp Jambalaya? Inspired by New Orleans cooking, this dish is jam-packed with delicious and nutritious everyday ingredients like onion, ham, green peppers, and chopped tomatoes. Each and every mouthful of this unique dish is simply exploding with flavour. The best part? Thanks to our easy-to-follow jambalaya recipe, it’s ready in just 15 minutes! Whoever said gourmet cooking couldn’t be convenient?
Deveined vs Regular Shrimp: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for shrimp, you’ll often notice the labels “deveined” and “non-deveined” (or just regular shrimp). The main difference lies in whether the dark line running along the shrimp’s back—the digestive tract—has been removed. Deveined shrimp have already had this line cleaned out, which saves prep time in the kitchen and ensures a more refined texture and appearance. Regular (non-deveined) shrimp, on the other hand, still have the vein intact. While it’s not unsafe to eat, the vein can sometimes add a gritty texture or slightly muddy flavour. For many home cooks, deveined shrimp are the more convenient and appealing choice, especially for dishes where presentation matters, while non-deveined shrimp may be a budget-friendly option if you don’t mind a bit of extra prep work.
This blog showcases how shrimp and rice come together to create quick, versatile, and flavour-packed meals perfect for any occasion. From a light and zesty Shrimp Tostada to a fragrant and filling Lime Ginger Shrimp Fried Rice, and finally a hearty, New Orleans-inspired Shrimp Jambalaya, each recipe highlights the natural balance between tender shrimp and fluffy rice. Along the way, readers also learn why shrimp and rice are such a timeless pairing, and the difference between deveined and regular shrimp for better cooking results. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner, a satisfying weekend brunch, or a gourmet meal in minutes, these shrimp and rice dishes prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Minute Rice® – Your Path to Stress-Free Mealtimes
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a flavourful gourmet meal, shrimp and rice make a winning combination every time. From the zesty Shrimp Tostada to the aromatic Lime Ginger Fried Rice and the hearty Shrimp Jambalaya, these recipes prove that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavour, shrimp and rice dishes are perfect for busy Canadian kitchens, bringing convenience, nutrition, and comfort to every table. For more cooking ideas and tasty recipes, make sure to check out our blog.