Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines succulent shrimp with fragrant garlic butter and fluffy rice. This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe brings together bold, savory flavors and simple ingredients to create a meal that feels both indulgent and easy enough for any weeknight. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe has you covered with its perfect balance of buttery richness, tangy lemon, and a touch of smoky paprika. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a standout and how you can bring it to life in your kitchen.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Unlike many shrimp dishes that rely heavily on complex sauces or exotic spices, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe shines through its simplicity and freshness. The key difference lies in the use of real, high-quality unsalted butter combined with fresh garlic and lemon juice, which infuses the shrimp with a vibrant, zesty flavor without overpowering its natural sweetness.

The paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the buttery garlic sauce beautifully, while the cooked rice acts as the perfect base to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. This recipe is quick — ready in under 30 minutes — making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your pantry and preferences without losing its soul.

If you’re a fan of dishes like Sticky Sesame Garlic Shrimp, you’ll appreciate the way this recipe highlights garlic in a different yet equally satisfying way.

What We’re Using

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great, and you want them cleaned for easy eating.
• 2 cups cooked rice – Use white, jasmine, basmati, or brown rice depending on your preference. Leftover rice works perfectly here.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The star of the sauce; makes everything rich and silky.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic provides that punchy aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a mild smoky depth and a lovely color to the dish.
• 1 lemon, juiced – Brightens and balances the richness with a fresh citrus note.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Chopped parsley for garnish – Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal touch.

Equipment & Tools

• Large skillet or frying pan – A non-stick or stainless steel pan works best for cooking the shrimp evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the garlic and shrimp without scratching your pan.
• Measuring spoons – To get the butter and paprika just right.
• Citrus juicer or reamer – To easily extract fresh lemon juice.
• Knife and cutting board – For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.

Method: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Make sure your rice is cooked and ready. If using leftover rice, give it a quick fluff with a fork to separate the grains. This helps absorb the garlic butter sauce better.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain a tender texture.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and garlic butter mixture. Give everything a quick stir to combine. The lemon juice will add a fresh zing that cuts through the richness.

Step 5: Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice directly into the skillet and toss gently to coat the rice with the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the rice through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

• Warm Weather: Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing meal.
• Cool Weather: Pair this dish with some creamy Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Potatoes to add comfort and warmth.
• Add a splash of coconut milk to the garlic butter sauce for a tropical twist that’s perfect for summer evenings.
• In colder months, try stirring in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add earthiness and extra nutrients.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but here are some tips to keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice flawless:

• Shrimp Overcooked and Tough: Shrimp cooks quickly; once they turn pink and curl, remove them promptly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Garlic Burns: Keep the heat at medium or medium-low and stir frequently to prevent the garlic from browning or turning bitter.
• Rice Clumps Together: Use day-old rice or fluff freshly cooked rice well before adding to the skillet. This prevents mushy clumps.
• Too Bland: Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Save It for Later

This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or leftovers. Store your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.

For best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating; a quick warm through is sufficient.

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the garlic butter sauce and ensures a better sear.

What type of rice works best?

White jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for its fluffy texture and fragrance, but brown rice or leftover rice from any variety works well too. Just adjust cooking times as needed if making rice fresh.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check that your paprika and other seasonings do not contain any additives.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Try tossing in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or peas while cooking the shrimp. These cook quickly and add color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the dish’s simplicity.

More from the Kitchen

• Sticky Sesame Garlic Shrimp – A sweeter, Asian-inspired shrimp dish with sticky sauce and bold flavors.
• Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Potatoes – Perfectly crispy and cheesy potatoes that make a great side for shrimp dishes.
• Sweet Corn And Shrimp Chowder – A creamy, comforting soup packed with corn and shrimp for cooler days.

Wrap-Up

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor, comforting, and quick to prepare. The luscious butter and garlic sauce, enhanced by lemon and paprika, make every bite a delight, while the rice soaks up the goodness perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is approachable and adaptable to your tastes. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep or fancy ingredients.

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