Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp (thawed, de-veined, tails removed)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1/2 cup rice, uncooked (or 3 cups cooked)
Veggie-Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (about 10 whole mushrooms)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp mild chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara recommended)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes for added spice
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: If frozen, thaw the shrimp thoroughly. Remove shells, tails, and veins. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a clean bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions and set aside once cooked.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean bowl and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook mushrooms and spices: Add sliced cremini mushrooms, dried oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mushrooms soften and develop a brown color.
- Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, until it wilts completely.
- Combine tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the mushroom and spinach mixture. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the sauce starts to bubble. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Mix shrimp into sauce: Turn off the heat and gently fold the cooked shrimp into the tomato-vegetable sauce to warm through.
- Serve: Spoon cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the shrimp and tomato-vegetable sauce mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over each serving and stir slightly to combine. Optionally, garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh herbs for added flavor. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use mild chili powder to keep a gentle spice level; add red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Feta cheese adds a tangy contrast to the savory sauce but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms if not available.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean