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Rice Salad with Paprika Shrimp
© Reed Davis

Rice Salad with Paprika Shrimp

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • HEALTHY
  • STAFF-FAVORITE

Cold grain salads are an ideal backdrop for all kinds of seafood, which Joyce Goldsten likes to serve hot for contrast. She prefers to use basmati rice, as it holds it shape for a long time. Cooked mussels and squid work well as alternatives to shrimp, o...

RICE SALAD

  1. 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  2. 2 1/4 cups water
  3. Salt
  4. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  5. 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  6. 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  7. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  8. Freshly ground pepper
  9. 3/4 cup finely diced celery
  10. 3/4 cup finely diced red onion
  11. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  12. 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped tarragon

PAPRIKA SHRIMP

  1. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure olive oil
  2. 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  3. 3/4 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  5. 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
  6. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with the water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the vinegar and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork, transfer to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinaigrette. Let cool, then add the celery, onion, parsley and tarragon.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil with the garlic, crushed red pepper and paprika. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant and sizzling. Add the shrimp and lemon juice and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until bright pink, about 3 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir the rice salad and mound it in the center of 6 plates or a large platter. Arrange the shrimp on top and drizzle with the shrimp juices. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Suggested Pairing

Choose a light, crisp Italian Pinot Grigio to provide a refreshing contrast to the fragrant rice and slightly sweet shrimp.