Garlic butter shrimp rice has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share this easy garlic butter shrimp rice recipe with you! I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sizzling garlic and butter filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. The plump shrimp, coated in that rich, garlicky sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice, is pure comfort food. It’s the perfect answer for those nights when you need a satisfying and quick dinner, making it an ideal garlic shrimp rice for dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

• Incredible flavor that’s both rich and bright.
• Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• A fantastic option for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
• It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, accessible ingredients.
• This easy garlic butter shrimp rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
• You get a truly flavorful garlic butter shrimp rice that tastes gourmet.
• It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies.
• A satisfying one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious garlic butter shrimp over rice:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined – make sure they’re ready to go!
• 1 cup jasmine rice – this rice cooks up so fluffy, the perfect base.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth – for cooking the rice and adding depth.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – the heart of our glorious garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp, this is key for that garlicky flavor!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a lovely smoky note.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – adjust this for your preferred heat level.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – always season generously.
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon – for that essential bright, zesty finish.
• 2 green onions, sliced thinly – for a fresh, oniony crunch.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Let’s get cooking! This recipe makes it super simple to create that amazing garlic butter shrimp rice.

1. Step 1: Start by cooking your rice. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup jasmine rice with 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove it from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for another 5 minutes. Then, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside. This is the foundation for your flavorful garlic butter shrimp rice.
2. Step 2: While the rice is doing its thing, prepare your shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy!), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn a beautiful bright pink and are opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate and set them aside.

3. Step 3: Now for that glorious sauce! In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt gently. Once melted, add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be super careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can make your whole dish taste bitter.
4. Step 4: Time to bring it all together! Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices that might have collected on the plate. Squeeze the juice of 1 fresh lemon over the shrimp and toss everything gently to coat the shrimp thoroughly in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Cook for just another minute, giving the shrimp enough time to heat through. These garlic butter shrimp rice instructions ensure maximum flavor.
5. Step 5: Assemble your meal. On each serving plate, create a generous mound of the fluffed rice. Top this with a hearty portion of your succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle the sliced 2 green onions and chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. This is how to make garlic butter shrimp rice that looks as good as it tastes!
6. Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of your amazing garlic butter shrimp rice!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

To elevate your garlic butter shrimp rice from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender and succulent.
• Use fresh garlic; it makes a huge difference in the fragrance and flavor of your garlicky shrimp and butter rice.
• Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This dish comes together fast, so having everything ready makes the process smooth.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking – a little heat really complements the garlic butter.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice?

The real secret to perfect garlic butter shrimp rice is balance and timing. Make sure your garlic is fragrant, not burnt, and don’t overcook the shrimp. This ensures that tender, succulent shrimp and that delicious garlicky shrimp and butter rice everyone loves.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice ahead of time?

For best results, I recommend cooking the rice and prepping the shrimp ahead of time. However, I wouldn’t combine the shrimp with the sauce until just before serving to keep the shrimp perfectly tender. Store cooked rice and raw shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice?

The most common mistake is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. Watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink. Another pitfall is burning the garlic; sauté it gently over low heat until fragrant but not brown.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

This flavorful garlic butter shrimp rice is so versatile, you can serve it in so many delightful ways! It’s a fantastic dish on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad or some lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These additions offer a refreshing contrast and add extra nutrients to your meal. If you’re wondering what to serve with garlic butter shrimp rice, consider a crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce – pure bliss! For more ideas on delicious pairings, check out our guide to crusty breads.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

This garlic butter shrimp rice is a delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 450-500
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 20-25g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of broth or any added vegetables. For more information on healthy eating, you might find resources on sustainable farming practices helpful.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Properly storing and reheating your garlic butter shrimp rice is key to enjoying it later. Once your delicious garlic butter shrimp rice has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to preserve that wonderful texture is to do it gently. For reheating in a pan, use a butter garlic shrimp rice skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water, and stir occasionally to prevent the shrimp from drying out and to ensure the flavors meld together again. If you’re interested in other quick meal ideas, you might like our spaghetti with mushroom sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Can I use other types of rice with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice recipe?

Absolutely! While jasmine rice is my favorite for its fluffy texture, you can certainly use basmati rice or even long-grain white rice. If you’re looking for a quicker option, pre-cooked rice or even instant rice can work in a pinch for an even more quick garlic butter shrimp rice, though the texture might be a bit different.

Is this an easy garlic butter shrimp rice for beginners?

Yes, this is definitely an easy garlic butter shrimp rice that’s perfect for beginners! The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are common. The key is to not overcook the shrimp and to be mindful of the garlic not burning. You’ll be whipping up this delicious dish in no time!

What can I serve with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice?

This garlic butter shrimp rice is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or asparagus. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce. It’s a very versatile dish!

How can I make this a creamy garlic butter shrimp rice?

For a creamy garlic butter shrimp rice, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce in the final step, just before returning the shrimp. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. This adds a luxurious richness to the dish.

Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic garlic butter shrimp rice, you’ll love experimenting with these delicious variations. They’re a fantastic way to keep this dish exciting and cater to different tastes!

• Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking the sauce, or add some sautéed bell peppers and onions along with the shrimp. For more vegetable inspiration, see our tips for vegetable gardening.
• Different Rice Bases: While jasmine rice is wonderful, try using basmati rice for a slightly different aroma, or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice makes a great base too.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice: For a decadent twist, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the garlic butter sauce just before adding the shrimp back. Let it simmer gently until it thickens into a luscious, creamy garlic butter shrimp rice.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning for an extra fiery kick.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice: Quick, Flavorful Dinner

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 2 green onions, sliced thinly
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp. Season them with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt gently. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any juices that may have collected on the plate. Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute, just to heat the shrimp through.
5. Serve: On each serving plate, create a generous mound of the fluffed rice. Top it with a generous portion of the garlic butter shrimp. Sprinkle sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm, and indulge in the delightful flavors of your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice!

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
• Ensure the garlic does not burn to avoid a bitter taste.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450-500
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: N/A
• Protein: 20-25g
• Cholesterol: N/A