Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is fast, easy, and packed with flavor. The shrimp cook in minutes and absorb the buttery garlic sauce beautifully, while the rice soaks up all the delicious juices. It’s a complete meal made with everyday ingredients, and it’s easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or spice. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika for heat
Directions
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Spoon the cooked rice into bowls or plates. Top with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle with extra sauce from the pan.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3–4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the skillet for a more balanced meal.
- Stir in a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter for extra depth.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter or low-carb option.
- Use lime juice and cilantro instead of lemon and parsley for a tropical twist.
- Make it creamy by stirring in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine, basmati, or long grain white rice are great choices. Brown rice also works for a healthier option.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook quickly—just 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time. Just heat them in the garlic butter sauce for 1–2 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes or other spices. It’s easy to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch—about ½ teaspoon for every clove.
What herbs go well with this dish?
Parsley, green onions, cilantro, or dill all work well as finishing touches.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative in place of regular butter.
Does this dish freeze well?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in portions. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
What can I serve with it?
A side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a deliciously simple dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. With buttery garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly paired rice, it’s a meal you can whip up anytime you’re craving something fast, filling, and full of flavor.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over warm, fluffy rice. It’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3–4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or paprika
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper; set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and stir to coat. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Divide cooked rice among bowls or plates. Top with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle extra sauce from the pan.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for a complete meal.
- Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for a twist in flavor.
- Stir in a splash of white wine or broth to deepen the garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
