Seafood

Seafood with Serbian rice – a savory and elegant dish, perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests. This simple yet sophisticated recipe highlights the delicate flavor of seafood, enhanced by fresh orange juice, and is easy to prepare, making it ideal even for beginners in cooking.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

- 250 g pre-cooked seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels)
- Juice from one large, freshly squeezed orange
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Necessary utensils

- A 2-liter pot
- A wooden spatula or a stirring spoon
- A citrus juicer
- A serving plate

The story behind the recipe

Seafood has always been appreciated in gastronomy, being a source of healthy proteins and rich in nutrients. Over time, these marine delicacies have been combined with various ingredients from around the world, and the combination with citrus, such as orange, brings a flavor contrast that delights the taste buds. This simple recipe is inspired by culinary traditions that emphasize fresh ingredients and quick preparation, making it perfect for a weekend dinner or a festive meal.

Preparation steps

1. Thawing the seafood: Start by allowing the seafood to thaw completely. Ideally, leave it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the pot: In a 2-liter pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat, being careful not to let it smoke. Olive oil not only adds a flavor note but also helps cook the seafood evenly.

3. Adding the seafood: Once the oil is hot, add the pre-cooked seafood. Gently stir with a wooden spatula to ensure the seafood is evenly coated with the oil.

4. Adding the orange juice: After the seafood begins to heat up, add the freshly squeezed juice from one orange. This will add a note of acidity that balances the flavors and intensifies the taste of the dish.

5. Boiling: Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes, until the seafood is thoroughly heated and the flavors combine. This is when your house will be filled with a delicious aroma!

6. Seasoning: Turn off the heat and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, salt is essential to bring out the flavors, so adjust the amount according to your preferences.

7. Serving: Serve the seafood hot, alongside the desired garnish. I chose to pair it with Serbian rice, a simple and delicious dish. The rice can be cooked separately, boiled or fried with a bit of onion and spices, to add extra flavor.

Serving suggestions

For an extra touch of refinement, you can add a few slices of fresh orange on top of the dish or sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley. These details will transform an ordinary meal into a feast!

Possible variations

- Adding vegetables: You can add various vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas, to complement the dish with additional nutrients.
- Using other citrus: If you don't have oranges, you can use lemon or lime for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh seafood?
Absolutely! Fresh seafood is excellent, just make sure it is fresh and of good quality.

How can I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2 days.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Although seafood is an essential part of the recipe, you can replace these ingredients with tofu or vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits

Seafood is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, orange juice adds vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.

This seafood recipe with Serbian rice is not only quick and easy to prepare but also full of flavors that will delight you. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the taste of the sea and the sweetness of citrus! Enjoy your meal!