Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo): 1 Irresistible Dinner

Name: Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed; ½ cup brown basmati rice, rinsed; ½ cup quinoa; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon curry powder or advieh (Persian spice blend); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup cilantro, chopped; ½ cup dill, chopped; ½ cup green onions, chopped; ¼ cup fresh fenugreek leaves, chopped (or ¾ tablespoon dried); 1 pound raw shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ⅓ teaspoon saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting but still light and nourishing, Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo) might just be your new weeknight hero. This dish has everything busy home cooks dream about: warm spices, fluffy rice, tender shrimp, and a kitchen that smells like a cozy hug.

I love recipes like this because they feel special without asking you to hover over the stove all night. Whether you’ve had a long workday, carpool chaos, or one of those “what’s for dinner?” moments at 4:37 p.m., this is the kind of meal that shows up for you.

Let’s walk through why this Persian classic deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)

Big flavor, gentle effort – the spices do the heavy lifting
Family-friendly – fragrant but not overpowering
Nutritious without trying too hard – whole grains, herbs, and lean protein
Perfect for make-ahead meals – leftovers reheat like a dream

This is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but forgiving enough for real life. My favorite kind.

A Little Heart Behind the Dish

The first time I made Meygoo Polo, it was during one of those weeks—packed calendar, low energy, zero interest in complicated cooking. I wanted something wholesome but comforting, and this dish absolutely delivered. The herbs brightened my mood, the saffron made it feel special, and the shrimp cooked so quickly it felt like a small win. Since then, it’s been my go-to when I need dinner to feel like self-care.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Don’t worry—nothing fussy here. Just good, honest ingredients.)

Basmati rice (white and/or brown)
Quinoa (optional but lovely for texture)
Olive oil
Onion & garlic
Red bell pepper
Shrimp (raw, cleaned, and deveined)
Fresh herbs: cilantro, dill, green onions, fenugreek
Spices: turmeric, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes
Curry powder or advieh (Persian spice blend)
Lemon juice
Saffron (a little goes a long way!)

Pro tip: If fenugreek isn’t in your pantry, dried versions from Indian grocery stores work beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Persian Shrimp and Rice

1. Cook the Rice

Bring water to a boil with salt and olive oil. Start with the brown rice since it takes longer. Once it’s partially cooked, add the quinoa and white basmati rice. Let everything simmer until fluffy and tender.

The goal here is rice that holds its shape—not mushy, not dry.

2. Cook the Shrimp

In a large pot, sauté onions in olive oil until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic, bell peppers, and shrimp. Sprinkle in all those warm spices and herbs.

The shrimp only need 4–5 minutes total. As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, scoop them out and set aside.

Overcooked shrimp are no one’s friend—trust me.

3. Assemble the Magic

Layer the rice and the herb-onion mixture in a heavy pot. Drizzle lemon juice and saffron water over the top. Cover and let everything steam gently until the flavors meld together.

Once done, arrange the shrimp over the rice and finish with fresh herbs.

Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo) garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges — Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo) layered with fragrant rice, golden shrimp, and fresh herbs for a cozy family dinner.

Helpful Tips (Because We’ve All Been There)

Rice too wet? Next time, slightly reduce the cooking water—extra moisture sneaks in from the shrimp and herbs.
Spice level: Swap red pepper flakes for paprika if cooking for sensitive palates.
No saffron? The flavor won’t be identical, but turmeric and lemon still bring warmth and brightness.
Frozen shrimp are great! They’re often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the store.

Serving Ideas

This Persian Shrimp and Rice pairs beautifully with:

Tomato cucumber salad
Yogurt with shallots
Pickled olives or vegetables

It’s one of those meals that feels complete but still loves a little sidekick.

FAQs About Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)

Can I use only white rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice adds fiber, but white basmati alone works perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes—naturally gluten-free and halal-friendly.

Can I substitute the shrimp?

You can try chunks of firm fish or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.

There’s something deeply comforting about serving a big platter of Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo) in the middle of the table. It’s colorful, fragrant, and quietly impressive—without being high-maintenance.

If you’re looking for a meal that feeds both the body and the soul (while still fitting into real-life schedules), this one truly delivers. I hope it brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine.

If You’re Craving More Cozy, Flavor-Packed Meals

If this Persian Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo) brought a little warmth and comfort to your table, you might enjoy a few more dishes that share the same cozy, nourishing spirit. These recipes pair beautifully with the flavors and textures you just cooked—and they’re perfect for planning your next few stress-free meals:

A creamy, citrus-kissed seafood dinner like Shrimp Tortellini in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce when you’re in the mood for shrimp with a comforting twist.
A light, herby side such as Greek Rice and Cabbage that complements spiced rice dishes beautifully.
Something fresh and crisp like Greek Lettuce Salad to balance out warm, aromatic meals.
More easy, satisfying seafood inspiration from 5 Irresistible Slow Cooker Shrimp Recipes for busy days when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
A deeper dive into classic flavors with Persian Shrimp Quinoa Herb Rice for another beautiful take on herb-forward Persian cooking.

Think of this little list as your gentle nudge toward your next delicious dinner—no extra planning required, just good food waiting to happen.