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Collage pin showing juicy shrimp over seasoned rice with fresh herbs and lemon slices, highlighting an affordable shrimp and rice dinner perfect for families on a budget

Cheap Dinner For A Family


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  • Author: meat and melt
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A cozy, lemony, buttery one-pot shrimp and rice dinner made with budget pantry staples. Quick to make, picky-eater approved, and under $8!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz. frozen shrimp (thawed, peeled)
  • 1.5 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 lemon (juice half, slice the rest)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt or Creole/cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Thaw shrimp under cold running water if frozen. Juice half the lemon, slice the other half for garnish. Chop parsley if using.
  2. In a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rice and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until you hear a little popping.
  4. Add chicken broth, water, lemon juice, seasoning, and parsley. Stir well.
  5. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Briefly remove lid, scatter shrimp over rice, cover again. Cook 5 more minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Let rest, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff rice, mix in shrimp.
  8. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley. Serve hot!

Notes

Use the largest skillet with a lid. Add veggies like peas or spinach to bulk it up. Swap in chicken or chickpeas for shrimp if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg