Arroz con Camarones (Mexican Rice with Shrimp)

Name: Arroz con Camarones (Mexican Rice with Shrimp)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsps olive oil; 1 cup white rice; 1 carrot (diced); ¼ onion (diced); 1 garlic (finely chopped); pinch whole cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1 8-ounce tomato sauce (can); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 jalapeño ((optional)); 1 pound large shrimp (deveined and peeled); ¼ cup water

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

One-pot meal: The rice, vegetables, and shrimp all cook together in one pot, so cleanup is easy.

Fast and flavorful: This Mexican shrimp and rice comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Tender, fluffy rice: Toasting the rice first gives it a delicious flavor and helps keep the grains fluffy.

Mild but flavorful: The jalapeño adds flavor without making the rice spicy. You can leave it out if you prefer.

A family recipe: This is my mom’s simple, comforting version of Arroz con Camarones.

-Maggie

🥘 Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup white rice

1 carrot diced

¼ onion diced

1 garlic finely chopped

pinch whole cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 8-oz tomato sauce can

2 cups chicken broth

1 jalapeno (optional)

1 lb large shrimp deveined and peeled

¼ cup water

Here, we’re using large shrimp. You can also use medium-size shrimp. Don’t spend hours and hours cleaning and deveining shrimp. Splurge a little and buy shrimp that has already been deveined.

Homemade chicken broth is also in the picture above. Don’t have any? Substitute it by using water + chicken bouillon.

🥣 Instructions

Heat the oil and add the rice.

Stir constantly to toast the rice. About 2-3 minutes.

Add the carrots and onions.

Stir until the rice is golden.

Altogether, toasting the rice and veggies should take about 4-5 minutes.

We’re using regular long grain rice. I don’t recommend brown rice or any other type of rice for this dish.

Be very careful NOT to burn the rice, or you will need to start over.

It’s very similar to Arroz Blanco which is also made by toasting the rice.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the pot. I recommend peeled and deveined shrimp to make this recipe as quick and easy as possible.

What kind of rice is best for Arroz con Camarones?

Use regular long-grain white rice. I don’t recommend brown rice or other varieties because they require different cooking times and liquid ratios.

Do I have to use jalapeño?

No. The jalapeño is completely optional. It adds flavor but does not make the rice spicy. You can also use a serrano pepper if you prefer.

Can I use homemade tomato sauce?

Yes, but homemade tomato sauce is usually thinner than canned tomato sauce. If using homemade tomato sauce, reduce the chicken broth to 1½ cups.

Why do I toast the rice before cooking it?

Toasting the rice in oil gives it a slightly nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate and fluffy as they cook. Keep stirring while toasting so the rice doesn’t burn.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Green peas, green beans, or diced potatoes can be added to the rice. Just keep in mind that additional vegetables may slightly change the cooking time.

How do I keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Don’t overcook the shrimp. Add them when the rice is almost finished cooking, then cover the pot and cook for just a few minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the lid on so the shrimp can finish cooking gently.

Can I use medium shrimp instead of large shrimp?

Yes. Medium shrimp work well in this recipe, too. Just keep an eye on them because smaller shrimp may cook a little faster.

🦐 More Mexican Shrimp Recipes

Arroz con Camarones is one of those recipes that proves dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. You get fluffy Mexican rice, tender shrimp, and vegetables all cooked together in one pot.