Zesty Shrimp with Sambal

Ingredients

• 1 pound large frozen shrimp, tails removed
• ½ cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
• ½ lemon, juiced, divided
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup sambal oelek (Indonesian red chile paste)
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups sushi rice
• ½ bunch green onions, chopped

Step 1

First, soak the shrimp in a big bowl of cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes until they’re fully thawed. While that’s happening, melt half a cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in 15-second bursts—this should take around 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the garlic and half of the lemon juice once the butter is melted.

Step 2

Melt 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet, then pour in the garlic butter mixture along with the sambal oelek. Cook everything together, stirring now and then, until the shrimp are heated through and the garlic is fragrant—about 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 3

While the shrimp is cooking, bring the water and sushi rice to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook until the rice is tender, which should take around 15 minutes. Take the pot off the heat but keep it covered for another 10 minutes to let the rice absorb any remaining liquid.

Step 4

To serve, spoon the shrimp over the rice and drizzle with the rest of the lemon juice. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy!