Description
This Chipotle Orange Shrimp with Cilantro Rice recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful meal combining succulent shrimp sautéed with smoky chipotle and zesty orange sauce, served over fragrant cilantro-infused rice and accompanied by a refreshing cucumber salad. Perfect for a quick, 30-minute dinner that balances spice, citrus, and freshness.
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad
- 2 small cucumbers (or 1 large), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 1 chipotle pepper (or half for less spice)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one orange
- A drizzle of olive oil
Shrimp
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp, tails removed, patted dry
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups white rice (jasmine or long grain)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: lime juice or orange juice (from zested orange), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Toss together the thinly sliced cucumbers with olive oil, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set this refreshing cucumber salad aside while you prepare the other components.
- Make the Sauce: Blend the chipotle pepper, heavy cream, garlic cloves, salt, orange zest, and a drizzle of olive oil until mostly smooth. Be careful not to overblend to maintain some texture and balanced flavors.
- Cook Rice: Cook the white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in chopped cilantro and salt to taste. Optionally, add a squeeze of lime juice or orange juice from the zested orange to introduce some citrus brightness.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are cooked through and opaque.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared chipotle orange cream sauce into the skillet with shrimp. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the shrimp are well coated with sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cilantro rice, top with the chipotle orange shrimp, and serve alongside the fresh cucumber salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to your spice preference; use half a pepper for milder flavor.
- Do not overblend the sauce to avoid turning it too thin; some texture helps enhance the dish.
- Using fresh cilantro and citrus juice in the rice brightens the overall flavors.
- Patting shrimp dry before cooking ensures a good sear and prevents sogginess.
