SAEDNEWS: Shrimp Pilaf is one of the traditional dishes of our country, prepared with a variety of recipes. To learn the complete step-by-step method of making shrimp pilaf, continue reading with Saed News.
Arabic Shrimp Rice: A Delicious Dish with Saudi Roots
Arabic shrimp rice is a very delicious and flavorful dish with roots in Saudi Arabia. For a complete, step-by-step guide on preparing Arabic shrimp rice, follow along.
Shrimp: 500 grams
Onion: 4 medium
Rice: 4 cups
Fresh chopped dill: 1 cup
Chopped cilantro: 1 cup
Oil: 3 tablespoons
Black lime: 2 pieces
Turmeric, ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
Salt, black pepper, lime powder, cardamom powder: 1½ teaspoons each
Start by washing the shrimp thoroughly. It is best to use fresh, deveined shrimp, or you may use packaged shrimp—always check the catch date on the package. Clean and chop the fresh dill and cilantro, then set aside. Wash the rice and soak it with a little salt.
Peel the onions and chop them finely into cubes or thin slices. Sauté them in a suitably sized pot without adding oil until golden. As soon as the onions start to stick, add ¼ cup of boiling water and continue cooking until the onions reach a caramel color, stirring constantly.
Next, add the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of oil, turmeric, pepper, lime powder, black lime, cardamom, and salt. Sauté over high heat until the shrimp shrinks slightly. Then add half of the dill and sauté briefly. Finally, add the cilantro with another tablespoon of oil and sauté well. Remove ¾ of this mixture and leave the remaining ingredients in the pot.
Now add a little cardamom powder, black pepper, another tablespoon of oil, the remaining dill, and the washed rice with boiling water. Let the rice cook until soft and mound it like a small mountain. Place the previously removed shrimp mixture on top, cover with a lid, and steam the Arabic shrimp rice until fully cooked.
Add water only enough to cook the rice without making it mushy.
Adjust the shrimp quantity according to preference.
Do not sauté shrimp for more than 7 minutes.
Shrimp is a tasty seafood rich in protein. With low fat and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iodine, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, fiber, vitamins C, D, A, and B12, shrimp is a highly nutritious food.
Interestingly, shrimp blood lacks iron, which is why its blood is blue—a rich source of copper. To maximize its benefits, shrimp is best steamed or grilled. If cooked, avoid overcooking to preserve its nutrients. Key benefits include:
Increasing Red Blood Cells: Vitamin A and B12 in shrimp directly stimulate red blood cell production.
Improving Thyroid Function: Iodine in shrimp supports thyroid health.
Preventing Hair Loss: Zinc in shrimp helps prevent hair loss.
Building Strong Bones: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin D in shrimp contribute to strong bone formation.
Supporting Eye Health: Antioxidants like astaxanthin protect eyes, reduce fatigue, and help prevent vision loss.
Promoting Skin Health: Astaxanthin combats UV damage and protects the skin.
Reducing Cancer Risk: Astaxanthin and selenium help inhibit tumor growth.
Aiding Weight Loss: Shrimp boosts metabolism and lowers leptin levels.
Enhancing Muscle Protein Synthesis: Rich in protein, shrimp supports muscle building.
Supporting Brain Health: Shrimp reduces brain inflammation and improves memory.
Reducing Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
