Spanish Tapas-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and smoked paprika served over fragrant saffron-infused rice, inspired by traditional Spanish tapas. This spanish-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a simmer and add 1/4 tsp saffron threads. Stir in the rinsed rice and 1 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, careful not to burn.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup dry white wine. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and squeeze juice from 2 lemon wedges over the shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Fluff saffron rice with a fork, plate, and top with garlic shrimp. Serve with remaining lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spanish Tapas-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 Tapas-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish Tapas-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 Tapas-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.

Is Spanish Tapas-Style Garlic Shrimp with Saffron Rice 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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