Shrimp + Pancetta Wild Rice
This shrimp and rice recipe is AMAZING if I do say so myself. All the flavors combine beautifully because it’s all cooked in one pot!
Since moving in together nearly four years ago, my guy and I figured out two things that keep us both happy. I make him lunch almost every day and he makes our bed (I’ve just about forgotten how to do that by now). Second, whoever cooks dinner, the other one of us does the dishes.
Even though I’m usually the one cooking and he’s doing the dishes, I’m very mindful of cutting down on the number of dishes, especially pots and pans.
Anytime I can use one pot instead of two, I’m all in, which is what makes this one pot shrimp and rice recipe all the more amazing!
Another favorite one pot meal is this peas + pasta – so, so easy!
CONTENTS
Shrimp and rice recipes
Shrimp and rice recipes just make so much sense. It’s so easy to add great flavor to shrimp and the rice is the perfect compliment to balance out the flavor.
I used a wild rice blend in this recipe because it looked so pretty. You could easily use white rice or brown rice.
After making the recipe, I realized I could have added more greens to the pan. Ya know I didn’t complain too much. The crispy pancetta bits in the rice were a welcome treat and the flavor of the shrimp was spot on.
You could absolutely use bacon if that suits your fancy/you have it on hand. I prefer the flavor and thicker cut of pancetta, but the flavor addition would be great either way!
I’m not sure exactly what cuisine this was inspired by (I’m thinking Southern), but I love it no matter where the idea came from!!
What Order Do You Cook the Ingredients?
One of the things that can be tricky about cooking one pot dishes is getting the right order down. Some things sit better than others after they’re cooked. Others will lose flavor, color, and consistency.
The first step here is to cook up the pancetta. It keeps just fine on the side while the rest of the ingredients are cooked. The best part about cooking the pancetta first, however, is that the flavor of it will cook into everything else. It’s really what brings the whole dish together!
Next up is the rice because it takes the longest. It will also keep its flavor and heat while the remaining items cook.
The kale and shrimp are cooked in that order, slowly working your way through items that take less and less time!
For more simple recipes, try these rice cooker recipes – for more than just rice.
More Fish Recipes
Grilled shrimp is one of my favorite things. These grilled shrimp toasts are a quick dinner that is full of flavor. I also love these fish po’ boys with cajun slaw as well as this beautiful but simple fish appetizer with winter slaw!
SHRIMP + WILD RICE {DUTCH OVEN RECIPE}
Ingredients
- 5 oz. diced pancetta or bacon
- 2 cups broth
- 1 cup wild rice medley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 5-6 cups kale chopped
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- salt and pepper
- ¾ lb raw shrimp
Instructions
- Over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy, mixing around frequently (approximately 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Spoon pancetta onto paper towel-lined serving dish. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to pot. Beware of steam. With wooden spoon, scrape crispy pancetta pieces from bottom of pan.
- Return pot to high heat. Add remaining broth and rice. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer thirty minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, prep shrimp – remove shells if not shelled. Pat dry with paper towel. Season both sides of shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Remove rice from heat. Let sit five minutes. Add pancetta to rice. Remove rice and pancetta to serving dish.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add kale, chili flakes, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Saute kale 2-3 minutes until oil is absorbed. Cover. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Spoon kale over rice mixture.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until completely pink. Place shrimp over kale.
I loved the pancetta in the rice! It added so much flavor. Delicious dish!
So much flavor in this dish! And it’s made in one pot – perfect for a weeknight or weekend!
love the addition of pancetta to this recipe! it’s so easy and bursting with flavor
A delicious combination that is comforting for all seasons. I wish I had this right now for dinner tonight…beautiful recipe!
You just can’t beat one pot meals, and this shrimp dish is one of my favorites! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
I am loving the combination of shrimp and pancetta rice. It looks and sounds absolutely delicious!
Oh wow! Now this looks & sounds delicious! And bonus points for being one pot. 🙂