One Pan Prawns and Rice

Sometimes all you want is a simple, no-fuss meal. That's exactly what this one-pan prawns and rice recipe is; Quick, simple, and indulged with lots of flavors. These Easy One Pan prawns and rice uses long-grain rice, frozen prawns, and any vegetables you have on hand for a quick evening supper!

In just 20 minutes, you can have tender prawns and fluffy rice cooked in ONE PAN. This one-pan prawns and rice is a lovely way to use shrimp in a satisfying family dinner.

Why this recipe stands out among other prawn recipes?

This is one of those walk-in-the-door last-minute dishes that one can make using frozen prawns at any time. The veggie and rice trinity have to be one of the simplest yet most amazing flavor combinations to pair with prawns. This dish freezes well and can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container, making it ideal for meal prep lunches or dinners. Another most beneficial aspect is its one-pan approach. Like other one-pan recipes, it also makes cooking hassle-free and cleaning easy.

What do you need to cook, one pan prawn and rice?

• Rice: The major ingredient in this one-pan meal is rice, and I recommend using long grain rice for the best texture and flavor. Any brand with a mild, flowery, and buttery flavor would suffice. Prawns go well with the long grains.
• Olive oil: You can also use high-heat oil like canola or avocado, but I like olive oil because it is healthier and tastes better.
• Prawns: For this recipe, I like to use medium or large fresh prawns. The tails should be peeled, defined, and removed. Prawns are abundant in protein and provide volume to the dish.
• Seasonings: Paprika, chili powder, and salt are used for seasonings. You can alter it according to your taste.
• Vegetable broth: To add extra flavor to this recipe, you can use either chicken or veggie broth.
• Vegetables: I usually go for bell pepper, frozen peas, garlic, onion, peeled, and chopped tomatoes. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, maize, or broccoli.

How to Make This One-Pan Prawns and Rice?

• In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft.
• Add in the chopped red pepper and tomatoes (add three tablespoons of water if the tomatoes are so dry).
• Add in the rice, stir, and then add vegetable broth, paprika, chili powder, peas, and prawn. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
• Garnish with some chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon, then serve.

Top Tips

• Add sliced cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, and spinach to the leftovers to make a cold rice salad.
• You can use any spices available at hand or according to your taste for seasoning. If you are on a diet, you can even skip adding spices.
• Add water twice the volume of rice for boiling. It will allow the rice and vegetables to cook well.
• Add prawns after the vegetables and rice in boiling water. This is important because prawns take less time to cook as compared to the rice and vegetables.
• Feel free to rinse the rice before using it.

Recipe Variations

• You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you are not a vegetarian and love chicken.
• In some regions, prawns are cooked without deveining. They consider the shell healthier. Whereas some people prefer cooking one pan prawn and rice after deveining. I prefer cooking prawns after deveining because it provides a beautiful appearance to the dish.
• A few chefs also cook one pan prawns and rice in sesame oil instead of olive oil. Both of them provide equal nutritious values. You can use the one which is available to you easily.

Serving suggestions

You can serve this delicious dish with some mint sauce or tamarind sauce. A couple of scrambled eggs added to the rice give fantastic texture and protein! You can use parsley and mint for garnishing. Do not forget to serve your favorite drinks along with this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, of course, you can use frozen prawns and vegetables for this recipe. But make sure to freeze them in airtight containers to avoid food poisoning.

Are prawns healthy for kids?

Yes, but only in moderation. Prawns, whether fresh or frozen, are high in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help strengthen your baby's developing cells.

What exactly is deveining, and why is it so important?

You'll have to peel the prawns if they're still in their shells. It's not hazardous to eat, although it makes the prawn look better and can be gritty. The process of removing it is 'deveining.' Make a shallow incision down the length of the black line using a small, sharp knife, and then pull it out with the knife's tip.

How can I avoid the hard texture of prawns?

Mostly, people overcook the prawns, and consequently, it results in the hard texture of prawns. Avoid overcooking and cook them until they curl into C shape.

Is it healthy to cook raw prawns from frozen?

Frozen prawns are not recommended to cook right from the freezer since they might overcook. However, whether pre-cooked or raw, cooking prawns from frozen is not dangerous. It will only have an impact on how well the prawns are cooked in the end.

Is it okay to reheat This one pan prawns and rice?

You certainly can. But proceed with caution. If rice or prawns are not kept or reheated properly, they can both cause food poisoning. Refrigerate the cooled one-pan prawns and rice as soon as workable. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat only once. Simply toss it in a big frying pan with a splash of water and reheat over medium heat, stirring regularly, until sizzling hot.

More Dinner Recipes

• Sweet and Sour Shrimp
• Zucchini Bechamel Casserole
• Sheet Pan Baked Salmon With Veggies
• Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Baked Tandoori Chicken
• Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

If you have a question about this One Pan Prawns and Rice recipe, please leave a comment or contact me via the contact page. And if you make this recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comment section below. Thanks for visiting my blog.