Shrimp and Rice Arroz Con Camarones

Arroz Con Camarones is a savory, one-pot Latin American dish featuring perfectly seasoned rice and succulent shrimp. It’s a colorful and hearty meal that brings bold flavor to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Rich Latin flavors from garlic, onion, achiote, and cilantro
• Quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights
• Customizable with various vegetables or spice levels
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive or achiote oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ¼–½ teaspoon achiote, sazón, or turmeric for color
• 1¼ to 1½ cups chicken or seafood broth
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (optional)
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced or 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon sofrito (optional)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ to ¾ cup peas or corn (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Juice and zest of ½ lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add rice and achiote, stir to coat and toast briefly.
2. Stir in broth, coconut milk, tomato, sofrito, vegetables (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. While rice cooks, lightly season shrimp. Once rice is tender, either fold in raw shrimp, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes until pink, or cook shrimp separately and mix in.
4. Fluff rice and mix in cilantro, lime juice, and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans
• Use jasmine or brown rice (adjust liquid and cook time)
• Skip coconut milk for a lighter version
• Add a touch of chili for heat
• Substitute shrimp with scallops or firm white fish

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave
• Freezing is possible but best without the shrimp (add fresh shrimp when reheating)

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Is coconut milk necessary?

No, but it adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can use all broth instead.

What is achiote or sazón?

Achiote (annatto) gives rice a red hue; sazón is a Latin seasoning mix that includes achiote, garlic, and spices.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes—add chopped jalapeño, cayenne, or use spicy sazón.

Is Arroz Con Camarones gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your broth and spices don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the liquid and cook time accordingly.

What can I serve with it?

Avocado slices, plantains, salad, or a side of beans pair well.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

Add them last and cook just until pink—about 2–5 minutes.

Can I cook everything in an Instant Pot?

Yes—sauté ingredients, pressure cook rice, then add shrimp using sauté or warm function.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pot and scale ingredients proportionally.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Rice (Arroz Con Camarones) is a vibrant, one-pot meal rich in flavor and simple to make. It’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, and easily tailored to your tastes. Give this classic Latin dish a try—you’ll love its comforting, zesty charm.

Print