Risotto and seafood go together like clockwork. Slow-cooked
rice is combined with garlicky shrimp to create a hearty and flavorful main
course.
What Is Shrimp Risotto?
Shrimp risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with
seared shrimp and rice. Risotto is traditionally made with Arborio rice, a
rounded, short-grain white rice with a high starch content, but you can
substitute carnaroli rice, oats, or barley.
The cooking method is essential for a creamy risotto: Cook
the starch on low heat while adding ladles of chicken stock. This allows the
rice to gradually release its starches, resulting in a perfectly al dente
result in a creamy sauce. Risotto can be made with almost any protein or
vegetable. Shrimp, a traditional risotto ingredient, pairs well with the
flavors of garlic, white wine, and Parmesan in this recipe.
3 Tips for Making Shrimp Risotto
To make shrimp risotto or customize it to your liking,
follow these steps:
1. Seasonings and flavors: To cut some of the richness,
squeeze lemon juice over your shrimp risotto and garnish with lemon zest. If
you like your dishes extra garlicky, sear the shrimp with an extra clove of
minced garlic. You can also season the shrimp with paprika for a smoky flavor
or red pepper for spice.
2. Make a sauce: If you want to amp up the flavor, make a lemon-butter sauce to drizzle over the risotto. Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice after searing the shrimp. Allow the sauce to thicken for about five minutes. 2 tablespoons butter, whisked in Serve the lemon-butter sauce and shrimp on top of the risotto.
3. Reheat on the stove: Microwaving shrimp causes it to become rubbery. Reheat leftover risotto in a saucepan over low heat if necessary.
