Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on Rice

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

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Juicy shrimp cooked quickly with garlic and smoky paprika, served over fluffy rice for a simple yet flavorful seafood dish. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs raw shrimp, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Remove from heat and let rest covered.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp to skillet along with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Fluff cooked rice with a fork and divide onto plates. Top with spicy garlic shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Smoked Paprika on Rice?

Mediterranean 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.

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