Sizzling Tex-Mex Shrimp and Rice Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Craving a zesty tex-mex shrimp and rice bake that’ll transport you straight to culinary bliss?

Spices dance across tender shrimp nestled in fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors.

Southern comfort meets southwest passion in this one-pan marvel.

Layers of complex seasonings promise a mouthwatering adventure without complicated cooking techniques.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Each bite combines succulent seafood with hearty grains and bold mexican-inspired ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet spectacular meal that comes together faster than you can say “delicioso!” Dive into a dish that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Why Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake Is A Weeknight Star

• Spice Up Family Dinners: A one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into a zesty Tex-Mex feast everyone will love.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, rice, and vibrant vegetables in one delicious dish.
• Quick and Satisfying: Packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, this shrimp bake delivers a complete meal in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this versatile recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for this Tex-Mex inspired dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the recipe.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Fajita Seasoning: Spices that create the signature Tex-Mex flavor profile and add warmth to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the final taste.

• Rice: A hearty grain that serves as the foundation of this one-pan meal.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice while cooking.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty finish to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the shrimp and vegetables, providing a light and healthy cooking base.

How To Make Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F to get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and dance those shrimp around until they turn a gorgeous pink.

Once cooked, nudge them to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Veggie Fiesta

• Bell peppers
• Onions

• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Fajita seasoning

Let everything mingle and soften for 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Rice and Broth Harmony

Introduce rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer peacefully for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Reunite the Shrimp

Welcome back the shrimp to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Cheesy Optional Finale

For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into gooey goodness.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Serve this Tex-Mex masterpiece piping hot and enjoy the flavor fiesta!

Cooking Tips For Shrimp And Rice Tex-Mex Style

• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Let shrimp rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even, tender texture and prevent rubbery results.
• Choose wild-caught shrimp for richer flavor and more sustainable seafood sourcing.
• Use fresh bell peppers and dice them uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture in every bite.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for extra zesty flavor profiles.

Tasty Ways To Change Up Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake

• Spicy Southwest Seafood Bowl: Replace shrimp with white fish and add jalapeños for extra heat, keeping the same core seasonings and cooking method.
• Mediterranean Coastal Casserole: Swap shrimp for grilled calamari, incorporate oregano and lemon zest, use brown rice instead of white rice, and top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Cajun Creole Rice Skillet: Switch to andouille sausage and crawfish, include cayenne pepper and file powder, maintain the one-pan cooking technique with bell peppers and onions.
• Caribbean Coconut Rice Fusion: Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth, add pineapple chunks, replace fajita seasoning with Caribbean jerk spices, and select jumbo prawns for protein.

What To Serve With Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake

• Spice Up Your Sips: Perfect Beverage Pairing
• Opt for a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the dish's richness and complements the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Margarita Magic: Craft a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to match the Tex-Mex profile and enhance the meal's spicy undertones.
• Zesty Drink Companion: Prepare a refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, which provides a light, cool contrast to the warm, spicy rice and shrimp bake.
• Cool Down with Agua Fresca: Mix a homemade watermelon or pineapple agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option that brings a sweet, tropical brightness to the dish.

How To Store Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake Properly

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled shrimp and rice to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cheese for best texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness, cover with damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

All Your Tex-Mex Shrimp And Rice Bake Questions

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. They absorb liquid well and provide a fluffy texture that complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and develop a nice golden color without releasing excess moisture.

• How spicy is this Tex-Mex dish?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and fajita seasoning. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing these spices according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free fajita seasoning and confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Tex-Mex Shrimp and Rice Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling tex-mex shrimp and rice bake brings zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold spices and hearty ingredients. Comfort meets culinary adventure when friends gather around this one-pan wonder that promises delicious memories with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a sizzling 375°F, preparing for a vibrant Tex-Mex culinary adventure.
2. Sear the shrimp in a blazing skillet with olive oil, cooking swiftly until they transform into a beautiful pink hue, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the succulent seafood to a waiting plate.
3. In the same skillet, dance the bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices together – introducing garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and fajita seasoning. Allow the vegetables to soften and release their rich flavors for 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate rice and chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing the ensemble to a robust boil. Immediately reduce heat, cover, and let simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the spicy essence.
5. Reunite the cooked shrimp with the rice, continuing to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid disappears completely.
6. For cheese lovers, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the surface during the final 5 minutes of cooking, creating a molten, golden blanket.
7. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors before serving this sizzling Tex-Mex creation piping hot.

Notes

• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for dietary flexibility, ensuring protein variety and catering to different preferences.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling additional salt, making the dish heart-friendly.
• Choose brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber content and enhance nutritional value, creating a more wholesome meal.
• Add fresh cilantro or lime juice just before serving to brighten flavors and introduce a fresh, zesty dimension to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg