Craving a tasty weeknight meal? Look no further! Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice combines tender shrimp, fluffy jasmine rice, and rich garlic butter for a dish that’s simple and satisfying. In this post, I’ll share easy step-by-step instructions, flavor tips, and even some delicious variations. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, this meal is sure to impress. Dive in and discover how to create a flavorful family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Large shrimp form the heart of this dish. They cook quickly and soak up flavor well. I love using jasmine rice because it has a nice aroma. Unsalted butter adds richness without overpowering the dish.
Seasonings and Broth
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic and onion give a sweet and savory base. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Paprika brings a hint of warmth, while salt and pepper balance everything out.
Garnishes
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Green onions and parsley add a fresh touch. They also bring a nice crunch. A splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish, making it taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the link.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice
To cook the rice, start by boiling water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add 1 cup of jasmine rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After cooking, take it off the heat but keep it covered for 5 more minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to make it light and airy.
Preparing the Shrimp
While the rice cooks, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika to add color. This simple seasoning makes a big impact. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and clear, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This melds all the flavors together.
Combining and Serving
To combine, spoon the fluffy jasmine rice onto plates. Top it with the garlic butter shrimp and drizzle some sauce over the rice. For serving, use a large platter or individual bowls. This way, everyone can serve themselves or enjoy a more refined look. Add sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright finish. A lemon wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch.
For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Shrimp
To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea, not fishy. When you cook shrimp, avoid overcooking. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Timing is key for perfect shrimp.
Enhancing Flavor
You can boost the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp by adding herbs and spices. Try fresh parsley or basil for a nice touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. For side dishes, consider a simple salad or steamed veggies. These pair well with the shrimp and rice. They add freshness to your meal.
Cooking Techniques
Use a large skillet for even cooking. This helps the shrimp and onions cook nicely without crowding. Start on medium heat, then raise it to medium-high to sear the shrimp. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If you notice smoke, lower the heat. You want a nice golden color, not charred shrimp.
These tips will help you create a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice dish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Substitute Options
You can easily switch up the rice in this dish. Jasmine rice works great, but you can try:
– Basmati rice for a nuttier flavor
– Brown rice for added fiber
– Quinoa for a protein boost
If you want to explore seafood options, shrimp is not your only choice. Consider using:
– Scallops for a sweet taste
– Salmon for a rich flavor
– Lobster for a touch of luxury
These changes can make your meal unique and fun.
Dietary Adjustments
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the taste intact while ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
For a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. This option still gives you a nice base but cuts down on carbs. You can sauté the cauliflower rice in a bit of butter for added flavor.
Flavor Profile Variations
If you like some heat, add spices like red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will spice up your garlic butter shrimp and rice.
You can also add vegetables or legumes to boost nutrition. Try:
– Bell peppers for crunch
– Spinach for added greens
– Chickpeas for protein
Mixing in veggies enhances the dish and makes it more colorful. You can find the full recipe to explore all these options!
Storage Info
Leftovers
After cooking, let the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice cool. This helps keep the food safe. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep the shrimp and rice fresh longer. If you want to freeze them, make sure to use freezer-safe containers. This keeps them from getting freezer burn.
Reheating Tips
You have two main options for reheating: microwave or stovetop. The microwave is fast. Just place the shrimp and rice in a bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. The stovetop gives better results for texture. Heat a skillet on low and add a splash of broth or water. Stir often until warmed. This keeps the shrimp juicy and flavors intact.
Shelf Life
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Always check for freshness. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or off-color. Always store your food safely to enjoy it later!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice?
Making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice takes about 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. You can enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This makes them easy to cook. Be sure to drain and pat them dry before seasoning. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice?
This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread is also a nice touch. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. These options balance the flavors of the shrimp well.
How do I make the shrimp less pungent?
To reduce the strong garlic flavor, use less garlic. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and balances flavors. Another tip is to add some cream or coconut milk to the sauce. This makes it rich and smooth.
In this blog post, I covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice. We discussed the main ingredients, key seasonings, and how to prepare everything step by step. I shared helpful tips on cooking shrimp perfectly and even explored variations for different diets. Remember, the right storage keeps leftovers fresh. You can create a tasty dish that’s easy to customize. Use your creativity to make it your own. Happy cooking!
![- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup jasmine rice - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Large shrimp form the heart of this dish. They cook quickly and soak up flavor well. I love using jasmine rice because it has a nice aroma. Unsalted butter adds richness without overpowering the dish. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic and onion give a sweet and savory base. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Paprika brings a hint of warmth, while salt and pepper balance everything out. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Green onions and parsley add a fresh touch. They also bring a nice crunch. A splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish, making it taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the link. To cook the rice, start by boiling water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add 1 cup of jasmine rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After cooking, take it off the heat but keep it covered for 5 more minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to make it light and airy. While the rice cooks, it's time to prepare the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika to add color. This simple seasoning makes a big impact. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and clear, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This melds all the flavors together. To combine, spoon the fluffy jasmine rice onto plates. Top it with the garlic butter shrimp and drizzle some sauce over the rice. For serving, use a large platter or individual bowls. This way, everyone can serve themselves or enjoy a more refined look. Add sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright finish. A lemon wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking! To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea, not fishy. When you cook shrimp, avoid overcooking. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Timing is key for perfect shrimp. You can boost the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp by adding herbs and spices. Try fresh parsley or basil for a nice touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. For side dishes, consider a simple salad or steamed veggies. These pair well with the shrimp and rice. They add freshness to your meal. Use a large skillet for even cooking. This helps the shrimp and onions cook nicely without crowding. Start on medium heat, then raise it to medium-high to sear the shrimp. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If you notice smoke, lower the heat. You want a nice golden color, not charred shrimp. These tips will help you create a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice dish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the rice in this dish. Jasmine rice works great, but you can try: - Basmati rice for a nuttier flavor - Brown rice for added fiber - Quinoa for a protein boost If you want to explore seafood options, shrimp is not your only choice. Consider using: - Scallops for a sweet taste - Salmon for a rich flavor - Lobster for a touch of luxury These changes can make your meal unique and fun. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the taste intact while ensuring everyone can enjoy it. For a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. This option still gives you a nice base but cuts down on carbs. You can sauté the cauliflower rice in a bit of butter for added flavor. If you like some heat, add spices like red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will spice up your garlic butter shrimp and rice. You can also add vegetables or legumes to boost nutrition. Try: - Bell peppers for crunch - Spinach for added greens - Chickpeas for protein Mixing in veggies enhances the dish and makes it more colorful. You can find the full recipe to explore all these options! After cooking, let the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice cool. This helps keep the food safe. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep the shrimp and rice fresh longer. If you want to freeze them, make sure to use freezer-safe containers. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. You have two main options for reheating: microwave or stovetop. The microwave is fast. Just place the shrimp and rice in a bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. The stovetop gives better results for texture. Heat a skillet on low and add a splash of broth or water. Stir often until warmed. This keeps the shrimp juicy and flavors intact. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Always check for freshness. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or off-color. Always store your food safely to enjoy it later! Making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice takes about 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. This quick time makes it a great weeknight meal. You can enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This makes them easy to cook. Be sure to drain and pat them dry before seasoning. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread is also a nice touch. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. These options balance the flavors of the shrimp well. To reduce the strong garlic flavor, use less garlic. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and balances flavors. Another tip is to add some cream or coconut milk to the sauce. This makes it rich and smooth. In this blog post, I covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice. We discussed the main ingredients, key seasonings, and how to prepare everything step by step. I shared helpful tips on cooking shrimp perfectly and even explored variations for different diets. Remember, the right storage keeps leftovers fresh. You can create a tasty dish that's easy to customize. Use your creativity to make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/b8e0854d-895b-4829-88bf-cfc17b89f31f-250x250.webp)