Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring tender shrimp and sweet bell peppers simmered in fragrant saffron rice with a hint of lemon. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs saffron threads, long-grain white rice, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place saffron threads in a small bowl and pour 1 tbsp warm water over them; let steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil for 1 minute until edges become translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, saffron with its soaking liquid, salt, and oregano. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: While rice cooks, slice bell peppers into 1/4-inch strips and heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Step 6: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Fluff cooked rice with a fork, fold in cooked peppers and shrimp, and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep saffron threads from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Saffron-Infused Rice with Shrimp and Peppers gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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