Instructions
Prepare the Broth:
In a medium saucepan, warm the broth over low heat. It’s essential to keep the broth warm throughout the process, as adding cold broth to the rice will affect the texture and cooking time.
Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Toast the Rice:
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the rice's flavor.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This adds depth and acidity to the dish, but you can skip this step and add more broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Cook the Risotto:
Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
Continue this process for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to an al dente texture. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent sticking.
Finish the Risotto:
When the rice is tender and creamy, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Shrimp and Risotto:
Stir in the lemon zest, and top with the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Let It Stand:
Allow the risotto to stand for 5 minutes before serving, which helps meld the flavors and perfects the texture.
Tips and Variations
Variations:
Add Vegetables: Consider adding asparagus, peas, or spinach for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp for a slight kick of heat.
Substitutions:
Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with mushrooms for a delicious umami flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Parmesan or omit the cheese entirely and add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy finish.
Alcohol-Free: Omit the white wine and add an extra ladle of broth.