This Jerk Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a mouthwatering fusion of bold, spicy flavors with tender steak and shrimp, perfectly paired with fragrant yellow rice. The jerk seasoning brings a Caribbean flair to the dish, combining the heat of allspice and scotch bonnet peppers with the sweetness of cinnamon and nutmeg. Served over yellow rice, this dish offers a delicious balance of spice, savory, and subtle sweetness—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence.
The Story Behind Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice
Jerk seasoning originated in Jamaica and is traditionally used on pork and chicken, but in this recipe, we bring the flavors of the Caribbean to both steak and shrimp. The heat from the jerk spices complements the tender meat and shrimp, while the yellow rice, cooked with turmeric and chicken broth, adds a mild and fragrant base to balance the spice. This dish is a great example of fusion cooking, bringing the rich traditions of Jamaican cuisine to a modern kitchen.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Jerk Seasoning
Jerk seasoning is a blend of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and various spices that give this dish its signature heat and flavor. You can buy it pre-made or make your own at home.
- Pro Tip: If you can’t find scotch bonnet peppers, use habanero peppers as a substitute. For a milder dish, use jalapeños or reduce the amount of spicy peppers.
Steak
A tender cut of steak, such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, works well in this recipe. The beef should be marinated in jerk seasoning to absorb the rich flavors.
- Substitution Tip: You can also use chicken or pork if you prefer, but keep the jerk seasoning for that authentic Caribbean flavor.
Shrimp
Shrimp adds a delightful contrast to the steak. It’s quick to cook and absorbs the jerk marinade beautifully.
- Pro Tip: Use large or jumbo shrimp to ensure they don’t overcook and get rubbery.
Yellow Rice
The yellow rice is made using turmeric and chicken broth, which gives it a light, earthy flavor and beautiful golden color.
- Substitution Tip: If you don’t have turmeric, you can use saffron for a similar color and more delicate flavor.
How to Make Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
For the Jerk Steak & Shrimp:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into strips
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 2: Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
- In a large bowl, mix the jerk seasoning, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and honey.
- Divide the marinade between two bowls—one for the steak and one for the shrimp. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Yellow Rice
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the rice, stirring until the grains are lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Steak and Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and once hot, add the marinated steak strips. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Return the steak to the skillet, mixing the shrimp and steak together. Toss everything in the remaining marinade in the skillet for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Spoon the yellow rice onto a serving platter.
- Top the rice with the jerk steak and shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice with a side of fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. The bold flavors pair wonderfully with a refreshing drink like iced tea or mango lemonade. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variations and Add-Ins
Grilled Jerk Steak and Shrimp
For a smoky, charred flavor, grill the steak and shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, and the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
Vegetarian Jerk Bowl
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the steak and shrimp with tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in jerk seasoning. Serve over the yellow rice for a flavorful plant-based meal.
Spicy Jerk Steak & Shrimp
Increase the heat by adding more scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers to the jerk marinade. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Dietary Adaptations
Precise Diet Classifications:
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that the soy sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free, but double-check the ingredients in the jerk seasoning to ensure no dairy is used.
- Low-Carb/Keto: To make this dish low-carb, serve the jerk steak and shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of yellow rice.
- Paleo: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure the jerk seasoning is paleo-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jerk Steak & Shrimp Over Yellow Rice Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak and shrimp ahead of time. You can also cook the rice in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors will develop even more if prepared in advance.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or pork, or make it fully seafood-based with scallops or fish.
How spicy is jerk seasoning?
Jerk seasoning is typically quite spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of spicy peppers or using a milder variety like jalapeños.
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