Creamy Shrimp in Spicy Garlic Sauce with Heart-Shaped Rice

Creamy Shrimp in Spicy Garlic Sauce with Heart-Shaped Rice

 

Creamy Shrimp in Spicy Garlic Sauce with Heart-Shaped Rice

Ingredients


For the Shrimp & Sauce
400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
1/3 cup chicken stock (or water)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional but recommended)

For the Rice
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water
Pinch of salt
Butter (optional)

Instructions


Cook the Rice:
  1. Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
  2. Add rice, water, and salt to a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Fluff with a fork.
  5. To shape into a heart: press warm rice into a heart-shaped cookie cutter or mold, then lift gently onto the plate.

Prepare the Shrimp:
  1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp and sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
  4. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:
  1. In the same pan, add more butter if needed.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add tomato paste, paprika, chili flakes, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well.
  4. Pour in chicken stock, simmer 1 minute.
  5. Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  7. Add shrimp back to the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

Assemble the Dish:
  1. Place the heart-shaped rice on one side of the bowl.
  2. Spoon the creamy shrimp and sauce on the other side.
  3. Garnish with parsley.
  4. Serve warm.