This Jerk Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish that combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the richness of steak and shrimp. The yellow rice adds a hearty base that complements the spicy and savory components perfectly.
The combination of textures—tender steak, juicy shrimp, and fragrant rice—creates an irresistible dish that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend feast.
Full Recipe:
- 2 steaks (your choice of cut)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups yellow rice (prepared)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Start by preparing the yellow rice according to package instructions. Set aside once ready.
- Season both sides of the steaks with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove steaks from the skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Once the shrimp is done, squeeze lime juice over the shrimp and bell pepper mix. Add the cooked steaks back into the skillet to warm through.
- To serve, plate the yellow rice, and top with the jerk-seasoned steak and shrimp mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
Jerk steak and shrimp over yellow rice is an exotic, flavorful dish that blends the bold, spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning with the richness of tender steak and shrimp. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with a bit of heat and an infusion of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of the juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and buttery yellow rice creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for weekend dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for a truly satisfying meal.
Jerk seasoning is the star of this dish, offering a vibrant mix of spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. This seasoning is traditionally used in Jamaican cuisine and provides a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory steak and shrimp. Yellow rice, often enhanced with a touch of butter and spices, serves as a base that ties all the ingredients together, adding a comforting, aromatic layer to the dish.
Why You Should Try Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While it traditionally calls for steak and shrimp, you can easily swap out the protein for other meats like chicken or pork, depending on your preference. For seafood lovers, the shrimp is a must, and grilling or baking the shrimp ensures they remain juicy and tender, infusing the entire dish with their natural sweetness.
This dish also allows you to get creative with the toppings. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, pineapples, or even fresh herbs like basil to enhance the flavor profile. The addition of honey and butter provides a subtle sweetness that balances the spicy heat from the jerk seasoning, creating a harmonious and well-rounded dish. If you like more heat, feel free to adjust the amount of jerk seasoning or even add fresh chili peppers to your liking.
How to Cook the Shrimp
Cooking the shrimp for this dish is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways. You can bake or grill the shrimp based on your preference. Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor that complements the jerk seasoning perfectly. For grilling, simply skewer the shrimp for easier cooking and to prevent them from falling through the grates. Baking is another great option, especially if you want a hands-off cooking method. Simply lay the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Steak Selection and Preparation
For this dish, using Angus steak is a great choice due to its tenderness and rich flavor. You can cut the steak into cubes or slices depending on your preference. The steak should be cooked until it’s perfectly browned on both sides to seal in the juices. Once the steak is cooked, it can be set aside and combined with the shrimp and vegetables in the pan to finish the cooking process.
Making the Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is the perfect accompaniment to jerk steak and shrimp, providing a fluffy, flavorful base that absorbs all the delicious juices from the protein and seasoning. To make yellow rice, you simply need to cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water, which adds depth and flavor to the rice. A tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt elevate the taste, and you can add a dash of turmeric or saffron for the classic golden color.
Cooking the Dish
Once the steak and shrimp are cooked, the next step is to sauté the bell peppers in the same pan. This allows the peppers to soak up all the flavorful juices left from the steak and shrimp, infusing them with the rich spices of the jerk seasoning. Once the peppers are tender, the steak and shrimp are added back into the pan, and chicken broth is poured in to help deglaze the pan, bringing all the caramelized bits into the dish for maximum flavor.
Allow the mixture to simmer until all the ingredients are tender and cooked through, then serve it over the prepared yellow rice. For an added touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving.
Customization Options
One of the best things about jerk steak and shrimp over yellow rice is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or even corn, to add more variety to the dish. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jerk seasoning, depending on your heat tolerance. For a slightly sweeter version, consider adding pineapple slices or chunks to the mix, which complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Additionally, you can make this dish your own by incorporating other herbs and spices. A sprinkle of freshly grated ginger or a squeeze of lime juice can add a fresh, zesty kick to the dish. If you’re looking to make the dish a bit lighter, you could even substitute the steak for lean chicken breast or tofu.
Health Benefits of Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, it also offers a range of health benefits, particularly when using lean cuts of steak and shrimp. Shrimp, for instance, is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Steak, when eaten in moderation, provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin B12, which are important for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health.
Yellow rice, while a more carb-heavy component, can be a healthy part of the dish when enjoyed in balance. It provides a good source of fiber, especially if you opt for whole-grain versions. The addition of vegetables like bell peppers not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also adds important nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, which are vital for immune health.
Conclusion
Jerk steak and shrimp over yellow rice is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. With its vibrant jerk seasoning, tender steak, and juicy shrimp, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. The yellow rice provides a comforting base that complements the protein and vegetables, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a delicious, well-rounded meal.
Whether you choose to follow the recipe as written or add your own personal twist, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your dinner table. From the smoky jerk seasoning to the creamy yellow rice, each bite is an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.