Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice
Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and smoked paprika served over fragrant saffron-infused rice for a vibrant seafood entrée. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- for serving lemon wedges
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 tsp saffron threads to a boil. Add drained rice and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp and 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine, simmer for 2 minutes until sauce reduces slightly. Season shrimp with 1/2 tsp black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
- Step 5: Fluff saffron rice with a fork and serve topped with garlic shrimp, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice?
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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice 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.
What goes well with Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice?
Spanish seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
