Prepare the rice: Wash and soak the rice (basmati, parboiled, or a mix of both) for 1 hour.
Clean the shrimp: Rinse and clean the shrimp, removing shells and veins if needed.
Sauté aromatics and shrimp: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute, then add fresh chopped cilantro and the shrimp. Mix well.
Add veggies: Add the finely chopped celery and frozen vegetables to the pan. Stir everything together.
Add rice and seasoning: Layer the soaked rice over the mixture. Add the chicken bouillon cube, salt, black pepper, turmeric or yellow rice seasoning, dried cilantro, and hot sauce. Pour in the water or stock.
Cook the rice: Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to low, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
Note: If using smaller shrimp, consider lightly sautéing them, setting aside, and adding them back in at the end to avoid overcooking. Once the rice is cooked, place the shrimp on top, cover again, and let it steam for 1–2 minutes.
Finish and serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently. Top with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with extra hot sauce on the side, if desired.