Steak and Shrimp over Yellow Rice Recipe

Steak and Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a delicious, hearty meal that combines two of the most popular proteins—steak and shrimp—served on a flavorful bed of yellow rice. This dish is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or any time you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying meal.

The yellow rice is infused with aromatic spices like turmeric and cumin, giving it a vibrant color and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tender steak and succulent shrimp. The steak is seasoned with a variety of spices and seared to perfection, while the shrimp are quickly sautéed with garlic, butter, and herbs to enhance their natural sweetness.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between the richness of the steak, the lightness of the shrimp, and the savory complexity of the rice. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure a delicious and visually stunning meal.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Yellow Rice:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the rice and spices: Stir in the rice, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Allow the rice to toast slightly in the oil and spices for about 2 minutes. This helps to bring out the flavors of the spices.
3. Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth (or water), and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add peas (optional): If you’re using frozen peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to incorporate, then cover the pot and continue cooking.
5. Fluff and garnish: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Cooking the Steak:

1. Prepare the steak: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Sear the steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a different level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak. During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter, crushed garlic, and thyme (or rosemary) to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks.
3. Rest the steak: Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the steak is juicy and tender.

Cooking the Shrimp:

1. Prepare the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Sauté the shrimp: In the same skillet (or a separate one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Finish with lemon: Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze the juice of one lemon over them and toss to coat.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Plate the rice: Spoon a generous amount of yellow rice onto each plate. Use a fork to fluff the rice and create a nice bed for the steak and shrimp.
2. Add the steak: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips and arrange them on top of the rice.
3. Add the shrimp: Place the cooked shrimp on top of or around the steak slices.
4. Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own but can be served alongside some complementary sides for a well-rounded meal. Consider adding:

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up any extra juices.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a thermometer: To ensure perfect steak doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C). Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.
• Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the steak and shrimp. A touch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can add heat to the shrimp, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano work well with steak.
• Cook shrimp in batches: If you’re making a large batch of shrimp, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam rather than sear.

Variations

• Steak and Chicken: Swap the shrimp for chicken breast or thighs. Season the chicken with your favorite spices, and grill or sauté until cooked through.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak and shrimp with grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a delicious plant-based version of the dish.
• Spicy Shrimp: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili paste to the shrimp for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes! You can use basmati or jasmine rice for a more fragrant and aromatic version of the yellow rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I ensure my steak is cooked perfectly? To get the best results, use a meat thermometer and rest your steak after cooking. This will help you achieve the desired doneness and keep the steak juicy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the rice and steak can be prepared ahead of time, shrimp are best cooked fresh to avoid overcooking. You can store the steak and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Steak and Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a flavorful, filling dish that combines tender steak, succulent shrimp, and aromatic rice into a perfect meal. With its balance of savory, earthy, and slightly spicy flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious meal!

Yield: 4

Steak and Shrimp over Yellow Rice Recipe

Print

Steak and Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a delicious, hearty meal that combines two of the most popular proteins—steak and shrimp—served on a flavorful bed of yellow rice. This dish is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or any time you're craving a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• For the Yellow Rice:
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for yellow color)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yellow Rice:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the rice, garlic powder, cumin, and turmeric, and stir to coat the rice with the spices.
• Add the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

2. Cook the Steak:

• While the rice is cooking, season the steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust depending on desired doneness).
• Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

• While the steak is resting, season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque.
• Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for added brightness.

4. Assemble:

• To serve, spoon the yellow rice onto plates.
• Arrange the sliced steak and cooked shrimp on top of the rice.

Notes

• Substitute for Steak: You can use any cut of steak you prefer, such as flank or strip steak, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Rice Variations: You can add peas, bell peppers, or onions to the rice for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the shrimp for some heat.
• Steak Tips: For more tender steak, use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Medium-rare is typically around 130°F (54°C).