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Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Delightful Weeknight Meal

by on May 21, 2025

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Looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal? Try my Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice! This dish combines juicy shrimp, fragrant jasmine rice, and rich garlic butter for a flavor-packed dinner in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your family or friends without the fuss. Read on to learn how to whip up this delightful dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups jasmine rice - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup water - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This dish stands out for its simple yet rich flavors. The shrimp give a sweet taste, and garlic adds a savory kick. The jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant. It acts as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious garlic butter. Using fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor. You can choose large or medium shrimp. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined. I love using jasmine rice. Its soft texture pairs well with the buttery shrimp. For added depth, I use chicken broth instead of water. This small swap makes a big difference in taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. Don’t forget the peas! They add a pop of color and a slight sweetness. Fresh parsley on top makes the dish look great and tastes amazing too. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key. It removes extra starch. The result is fluffy rice. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mix to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice should become tender, and the liquid will absorb. After that, remove it from heat but keep it covered. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burned. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. Once the shrimp is ready, stir in the green peas. Cook for another 2 minutes until they heat through. Now, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and peas. Next, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide it among serving plates. Top each plate with the garlic butter shrimp and peas mix. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! Rinsing the rice is key to fluffy grains. It removes extra starch. This step keeps the rice from being sticky. I rinse jasmine rice until the water is clear. To cook rice perfectly, use the right water-to-rice ratio. For jasmine rice, a 1:1 ratio of water and broth works well. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer. This keeps the steam in and cooks the rice evenly. How do you check if shrimp are done? Cook shrimp until they turn pink. They should curl slightly but not be rubbery. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or paprika. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Want to add more flavor? You can try garlic powder or onion powder. These spices deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a nice touch. For garnish, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. You can also use lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Both options enhance the dish and make it look appealing. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice not only removes excess starch but also helps achieve a fluffier texture after cooking. Watch the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a matter of seconds, affecting the dish's flavor. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Add Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest along with the lemon juice before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change the shrimp in this dish. Try using scallops or chicken instead. If you prefer a plant-based meal, use tofu or chickpeas. Both options give you great flavor. For those who need gluten-free meals, switch to gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Just swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This way, everyone can enjoy it. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can also toss in some corn. It gives a sweet crunch. Spices can also change the taste. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. You could even use a dash of curry powder for a unique twist. You can serve garlic butter shrimp rice with many sides. A simple green salad pairs well and adds freshness. Garlic bread is another tasty option that complements the rich flavors. This dish is great for meal prep, too. Just pack it in containers for quick lunches. It reheats well and keeps its flavor. You can enjoy this dish any day of the week! To store your garlic butter shrimp rice, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. To reheat leftovers, the best method is the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet. Heat it on low, stirring gently. This helps prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. If you have extra shrimp rice, try adding it to a salad or a wrap. You can also mix it into an omelet for a tasty breakfast. The possibilities are endless! You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they form an O shape, they are overcooked. Cooking time is usually about 2-3 minutes per side. It's crucial to avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Always check the center for a firm texture. Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water for several minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents excess water in your dish. Garlic butter shrimp rice pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli for a crunchy contrast - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a delightful twist - Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil Adding a side of fresh fruit can also lighten your meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that complement the shrimp! This blog post shows you how to make garlic butter shrimp rice with ease. You learned about the main ingredients, like shrimp and jasmine rice, and tasty seasonings. I covered detailed steps for cooking, tips for perfect rice, and variations to fit your needs. Remember, adding fresh flavors can make this dish even better. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so enjoy your time in the kitchen. Your meals can be simple yet full of flavor!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Combination: The garlic butter sauce enhances the shrimp and rice, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap the shrimp for chicken or veggies, adapting the recipe to your taste.
  4. Healthy and Nourishing: This dish is packed with protein and nutrients from shrimp and peas, making it a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 cups jasmine rice

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 5 garlic cloves, minced

Broth and Seasonings

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup water

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Add-Ins and Garnish

– 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This dish stands out for its simple yet rich flavors. The shrimp give a sweet taste, and garlic adds a savory kick. The jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant. It acts as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious garlic butter.

Using fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor. You can choose large or medium shrimp. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined. I love using jasmine rice. Its soft texture pairs well with the buttery shrimp.

For added depth, I use chicken broth instead of water. This small swap makes a big difference in taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a nice zing.

Don’t forget the peas! They add a pop of color and a slight sweetness. Fresh parsley on top makes the dish look great and tastes amazing too.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful meal that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Rice

Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key. It removes extra starch. The result is fluffy rice. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.

Next, grab a medium saucepan. Combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mix to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice should become tender, and the liquid will absorb. After that, remove it from heat but keep it covered.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now, let’s cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burned.

Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked.

Combining Ingredients

Once the shrimp is ready, stir in the green peas. Cook for another 2 minutes until they heat through.

Now, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and peas.

Next, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide it among serving plates. Top each plate with the garlic butter shrimp and peas mix.

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Fluffy Rice

Rinsing the rice is key to fluffy grains. It removes extra starch. This step keeps the rice from being sticky. I rinse jasmine rice until the water is clear.

To cook rice perfectly, use the right water-to-rice ratio. For jasmine rice, a 1:1 ratio of water and broth works well. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer. This keeps the steam in and cooks the rice evenly.

Perfecting the Shrimp

How do you check if shrimp are done? Cook shrimp until they turn pink. They should curl slightly but not be rubbery. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or paprika. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the flavors.

Enhancing Flavor

Want to add more flavor? You can try garlic powder or onion powder. These spices deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a nice touch.

For garnish, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. You can also use lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Both options enhance the dish and make it look appealing.

Pro Tips

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice not only removes excess starch but also helps achieve a fluffier texture after cooking.
  2. Watch the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a matter of seconds, affecting the dish’s flavor.
  3. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
  4. Add Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest along with the lemon juice before serving.

Variations

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

You can easily change the shrimp in this dish. Try using scallops or chicken instead. If you prefer a plant-based meal, use tofu or chickpeas. Both options give you great flavor.

For those who need gluten-free meals, switch to gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Just swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This way, everyone can enjoy it.

Flavor Enhanced Variations

Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can also toss in some corn. It gives a sweet crunch.

Spices can also change the taste. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. You could even use a dash of curry powder for a unique twist.

Alternative Serving Suggestions

You can serve garlic butter shrimp rice with many sides. A simple green salad pairs well and adds freshness. Garlic bread is another tasty option that complements the rich flavors.

This dish is great for meal prep, too. Just pack it in containers for quick lunches. It reheats well and keeps its flavor. You can enjoy this dish any day of the week!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your garlic butter shrimp rice, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to label your container with the date.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat leftovers, the best method is the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet. Heat it on low, stirring gently. This helps prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts.

If you have extra shrimp rice, try adding it to a salad or a wrap. You can also mix it into an omelet for a tasty breakfast. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they form an O shape, they are overcooked. Cooking time is usually about 2-3 minutes per side. It’s crucial to avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Always check the center for a firm texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you’re short on time, you can run them under cold water for several minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents excess water in your dish.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp rice?

Garlic butter shrimp rice pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:

– Steamed broccoli for a crunchy contrast

– A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

– Garlic bread for a delightful twist

– Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil

Adding a side of fresh fruit can also lighten your meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that complement the shrimp!

This blog post shows you how to make garlic butter shrimp rice with ease. You learned about the main ingredients, like shrimp and jasmine rice, and tasty seasonings. I covered detailed steps for cooking, tips for perfect rice, and variations to fit your needs. Remember, adding fresh flavors can make this dish even better. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so enjoy your time in the kitchen. Your meals can be simple yet full of flavo

- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups jasmine rice - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup water - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This dish stands out for its simple yet rich flavors. The shrimp give a sweet taste, and garlic adds a savory kick. The jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant. It acts as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious garlic butter. Using fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor. You can choose large or medium shrimp. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined. I love using jasmine rice. Its soft texture pairs well with the buttery shrimp. For added depth, I use chicken broth instead of water. This small swap makes a big difference in taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. Don’t forget the peas! They add a pop of color and a slight sweetness. Fresh parsley on top makes the dish look great and tastes amazing too. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This step is key. It removes extra starch. The result is fluffy rice. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mix to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice should become tender, and the liquid will absorb. After that, remove it from heat but keep it covered. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burned. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. Once the shrimp is ready, stir in the green peas. Cook for another 2 minutes until they heat through. Now, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and peas. Next, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide it among serving plates. Top each plate with the garlic butter shrimp and peas mix. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! Rinsing the rice is key to fluffy grains. It removes extra starch. This step keeps the rice from being sticky. I rinse jasmine rice until the water is clear. To cook rice perfectly, use the right water-to-rice ratio. For jasmine rice, a 1:1 ratio of water and broth works well. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer. This keeps the steam in and cooks the rice evenly. How do you check if shrimp are done? Cook shrimp until they turn pink. They should curl slightly but not be rubbery. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or paprika. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Want to add more flavor? You can try garlic powder or onion powder. These spices deepen the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a nice touch. For garnish, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. You can also use lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Both options enhance the dish and make it look appealing. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice not only removes excess starch but also helps achieve a fluffier texture after cooking. Watch the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a matter of seconds, affecting the dish's flavor. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Add Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest along with the lemon juice before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change the shrimp in this dish. Try using scallops or chicken instead. If you prefer a plant-based meal, use tofu or chickpeas. Both options give you great flavor. For those who need gluten-free meals, switch to gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also make this dish dairy-free. Just swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This way, everyone can enjoy it. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can also toss in some corn. It gives a sweet crunch. Spices can also change the taste. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. You could even use a dash of curry powder for a unique twist. You can serve garlic butter shrimp rice with many sides. A simple green salad pairs well and adds freshness. Garlic bread is another tasty option that complements the rich flavors. This dish is great for meal prep, too. Just pack it in containers for quick lunches. It reheats well and keeps its flavor. You can enjoy this dish any day of the week! To store your garlic butter shrimp rice, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. To reheat leftovers, the best method is the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet. Heat it on low, stirring gently. This helps prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. If you have extra shrimp rice, try adding it to a salad or a wrap. You can also mix it into an omelet for a tasty breakfast. The possibilities are endless! You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they form an O shape, they are overcooked. Cooking time is usually about 2-3 minutes per side. It's crucial to avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Always check the center for a firm texture. Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water for several minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents excess water in your dish. Garlic butter shrimp rice pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli for a crunchy contrast - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a delightful twist - Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil Adding a side of fresh fruit can also lighten your meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that complement the shrimp! This blog post shows you how to make garlic butter shrimp rice with ease. You learned about the main ingredients, like shrimp and jasmine rice, and tasty seasonings. I covered detailed steps for cooking, tips for perfect rice, and variations to fit your needs. Remember, adding fresh flavors can make this dish even better. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so enjoy your time in the kitchen. Your meals can be simple yet full of flavor!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring shrimp cooked in garlic butter served over fluffy jasmine rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
  • In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  • Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp mixture.
  • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among serving plates. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and peas mixture.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
Keyword butter, easy meal, garlic, rice, shrimp

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