Chipotle Orange Shrimp with Cilantro Rice
Smoky chipotle shrimp in a creamy orange-scented sauce over cilantro rice, with quick-pickled cucumbers on the side — dinner in 30 minutes.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3
Calories
480/serving
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Per Serving
Ingredients
- 2 whole cucumbers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 whole chipotle pepper in adobo
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1.5 cup jasmine rice
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
Quick-pickle the cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers thinly. Toss with olive oil, white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the rest.
Blend the chipotle cream sauce
In a blender or small food processor, combine the chipotle pepper, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and orange zest. Blend until mostly smooth — a few small chipotle bits are fine for texture.
Cook the cilantro rice
Cook the rice according to package directions. When done, fluff with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Squeeze in a bit of orange or lime juice if desired.
Sauté the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.
Simmer in sauce and serve
Pour the chipotle cream sauce over the shrimp and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Serve the saucy shrimp over the cilantro rice with quick-pickled cucumbers alongside.
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Open in AppTips & Variations
- Pat shrimp very dry before searing for the best golden color
- The orange zest is key — don't skip it, as it balances the smoky heat perfectly
Frequently Asked Questions
- How spicy is this?
- Using one whole chipotle makes it moderately spicy. Use half a pepper for mild heat.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- Full-fat coconut milk works as a dairy-free substitute with a slightly different flavor.
Recipe inspired by the original at pinchofyum.com. Ingredients and factual cooking data extracted; instructions independently written.
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