Arroz con Camarones Costarricense
A flavorful rice dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked with aromatic vegetables and spices, often enhanced with a touch of achiote for its vibrant color. This is a popular and delicious main course in Costa Rica.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Medium-grain rice
- 4 cups Water or chicken broth
- 500 g Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Achiote powder or seeds(for color)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- Lime wedges(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is cooked. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
While the rice cooks, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. If using achiote seeds, add them to the oil and cook for a minute until the oil turns red, then strain and discard seeds. If using powder, stir it into the hot oil.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- 6
Season the shrimp mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold the cooked rice into the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic color, use achiote paste or seeds.
- ✓Adjust the amount of achiote to your preference for color intensity.
- ✓Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink; overcooked shrimp will be tough.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the vegetable mixture before adding tomatoes.
- Include peas or corn for added texture and flavor.